The Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay or BLISTT Governing Council has requested for stricter enforcement of border controls following the recent detection of the UK variant in Mountain Province and Benguet.
In a resolution, the BLISTT Governing Council has asked the provincial governments of Benguet and Mountain Province to conduct coordinated actions in enforcing border restrictions in their areas.
“Considering the proximity and interconnectedness of the BLISTT to the rest of Benguet, and Mountain Province, the possibility of an unmitigated spread of the virus is imminent, unless border restrictions are put in place by all local government units concerned,” reads the resolution, approved on Jan. 26.
The Department of Health recently classified the Cordillera under high-risk epidemic level due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases.
Residents of BLISTT areas were also mandated to present medical clearances valid for 10 days prior to entering Baguio or other BLISTT municipalities.
Residents who need to enter Baguio for medical appointment or consultation will only need to show a proof of confirmed appointments while those with immediate medical emergencies shall be allowed to pass through freely.
Cargo and logistics services, and utilities for water, electricity, telecommunications, IT, and waste management will have unhampered passage, provided their personnel maintain a no-contact policy and strictly observe minimum public health standards at all times.
Non-resident travelers coming to BLISTT from other regions, provinces, cities and municipalities must present their travel permit and medical certificate issued in their place of origin.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said the police will be strict in checking individuals coming to the municipality.
He said they will deploy volunteers such as barangay health workers and midwives to assist the police in manning border checkpoints.
The town’s main border checkpoints are located at Km. 3 and Longlong, Puguis. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 30, 2024
