Baguio relax travel protocols, adherence to health protocols reminded

BAGUIO CITY  – (2 March 2021) – Brace for impact with relaxed travel protocols.

With the relaxation of border controls per Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 101-2021, the City Government of Baguio is bracing for possible effects of foregoing the imposition of Coronavirus disease test from travelers.

Beginning March 2, travelers entering Baguio City need only to register at hdf.baguio.gov.ph and upload identification to be able to generate a quick response (QR) code while tourists have to register at visita.baguio.gov.ph and upload valid identification card.

For those with work-related transactions, they need to include a copy of their travel order from work and proof of employment in their health declaration form (HDF) registration.

The online registration at HDF and VISITA websites serves as efficient and effective contact tracing tools of the city government for COVID-19 cases.

“With the relaxed travel protocols, let us brace for impact,” said Atty. Althea Alberto, Executive Assistant IV of the City Mayor’s Office.

She explained that Baguio will see the effect of eased travel restrictions on COVID-19 cases after at least two weeks. Thus, she appealed to residents and visitors alike to adhere to minimum public health protocols.

She also called on the public to report establishments not following health protocols so that these can be subjected for inspection. She likewise asked employers to equip their employees with protective gears such as face mask, face shield and sanitizers, among others.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still hovering, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong appealed to Baguio residents to observe minimum health standards particularly wearing of face mask, face shield and physical distancing.

The public also reminded to avoid crowded places, confined and enclosed spaces, as well as close-proximity conversation to lessen the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

“Let us show that as Baguio residents, we can practice self-discipline and overcome this COVID-19 pandemic. Let us do this for the sake of our medical frontlines, our police frontlines, our elders, our children and for the rest of our loved ones” the mayor said. – Jessa P. Samidan