The local government of Baguio City has implemented stricter measures in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus disease after the city saw a surge in the number of confirmed cases.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that the increase in COVID-19 cases may be considered as ‘second wave’ of virus transmission.
Of the 100 confirmed cases, 47 are active while there are 51 recoveries and two deaths. As of Sunday, there are 3,256 people on isolation. Meanwhile, 17,969 people suspected of contracting the virus have already completed their quarantine period requirements.
Image: Facebook/Public Information Office-City of Baguio
On the other hand, more than 20,000 underwent swab testing while rapid anti-body testing was given to 17,969 people.
In addressing this concern, lockdown measures were implemented in 13 barangays to give way for contract tracing and disinfection. Liquor ban and a two-day market schedule were also imposed to curb the spread of the dreaded disease.
Mass testing of ten percent of the population has already started this month. Barangay chiefs and members of the Barangay Health Emergency Teams (BHERTs) were ordered to encourage residents who experience flu-like symptoms to have medical check-ups.
Image: Facebook/PNP Baguio Station Ten
The city is also implementing a strict border control to ensure that only those who are on essential travel can get inside the city.
Ready and prepared
Meanwhile, the City Health Office called on the residents to stay calm and observe minimum health standards and protocols. Further, they stated that have been expecting this increase in the number of COVID-19 cases this month after more overseas Filipino workers and locally-stranded individuals from other regions came to the city. Nevertheless, health centers in the city were already told to prepare for the influx of patients seeking medical attention and testing.
Mayor Magalong also said that more contact tracers were deployed on the field to cover all patients and that the city government will augment isolation facilities to accommodate those who will need to undergo quarantine.
