Baguio City has been placed under alert level 3 from Jan. 9 to 15, as the government is closely monitoring the surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Inter-Agency Task Force announced on Jan. 6 Baguio’s alert level escalation, along with 12 other cities in the country upon the recommendation of the sub-Technical Working Group on Covid-19 Data Analytics.
City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has yet to release an executive order on the city’s newest restrictions following the alert level escalation.
As of Jan. 6, Baguio has logged 287 cases and two deaths. The highest number of new cases was recorded on Jan. 5 with 109, followed by 58 cases on Jan. 4, and 52 cases on Jan. 6.
In a press briefing on Jan. 5, City Epidemiologist Donnabel Panes said patients at the city’s isolation facilities have not reached the three-digit number so far.
“The three hospitals so far have zero cases,” she added.
Based on IATF guidelines, intrazonal and interzonal travels in areas under alert level status 3 are allowed subject to reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by local government units.
Individuals below 18 years old and those belonging to the vulnerable population are allowed access to essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices in accordance with existing labor laws, rules, and regulations.
Individual outdoor exercises are also allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status.
Face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education, except those previously approved by the IATF are not allowed under alert level 3, including contact sports, except those conducted under a bubble-type setup as provided for under relevant guidelines adopted by the IATF, Games and Amusement Board, and Philippine Sports Commission, and approved by the LGU where such games are held.
Also not allowed are funfairs/peryas and kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides; venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters; and casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except as may be authorized by the IATF.
Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household are also not allowed.
Other permitted establishments and events are allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 30 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity as long as all workers or employees of the establishments are fully vaccinated and minimum public health standards are strictly maintained and as long as the LGU allows.
Agencies and instrumentalities of the government remain fully operational and must adhere to at least 30 percent on-site capacity while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements. – Jane B. Cadalig
April 27, 2024
