Baguio, neighbors suspend non-essential travels

BAGUIO CITY—Officials of the BLISTT (Baguio City-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba and Tublay) governments will suspend non-essential travels in their areas for 11 days starting Thursday, Sept. 23, amid the rising COVID-19 among residents.

In a statement, Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said the agreement was forged during a meeting of the mayors and representatives of the BLISTT areas. The suspension will run until Oct. 3.

Palangdan said non-formal workers living in BLISTT areas need to secure a certificate of employment from their respective barangay officials starting Sept. 27.

He said residents who need to travel between BLISTT localities to access essential goods or services are allowed provided they do this on designated schedules.

According to the mayor, the protocol is part of the collective efforts of the people of BLISTT to prevent the virus from further spreading.

Palangdan stressed that BLISTT residents should take the rising trend of positive cases and the number of COVID-related deaths seriously.

“Just as we have done during our case surges in the past, we all see the immediate need of managing mobility for BLISTT residents and non-residents as well. Once again, concerted efforts shall be implemented for travel within and between the BLISTT areas,” the joint advisory of the BLISTT mayors stated.

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