Mayor to residents on Christmas celebration: enjoy time with family but don’t forget protocols

Mayor to residents on Christmas celebration: enjoy time with family but don’t forget protocols

Mayor Benjamin Magalong encouraged residents to take advantage of the city’s favorable COVID-19 situation by enjoying time with family and friends during the holidays but at the same time maintain compliance with the health protocols for their own safety.

“We earned it.  Let’s enjoy our time with our family and friends but please don’t neglect your safety.  Wear a mask if you must, maintain physical distance and proper ventilation, observe proper hygiene,” the mayor said.

The city is presently enjoying a low number of infections, eased up quarantine status and protocols that afforded it a wider berth to reopen its business and tourism industries after a prolonged slump caused by the pandemic.

However with the increased people mobility and the recently confirmed presence of the new variant in the country, the danger has remained which the people should not ignore.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council which is again spearheading the contingency planning for the omicron variant reiterated its advice to the public to maintain safety while celebrating Christmas and New Year safely by avoiding the following: social gatherings with drinking, long meals in large groups, conversation without wearing a mask, living together in a small limited space or communal sharing, switching of locations while in a gatherings.

Residents were also reminded to if possible restrict unvaccinated household members to their homes and to seek medical assistance if experiencing symptoms.

Tourists and business establishments catering to the industry were again reminded to comply with the city’s health and safety protocols at all times while personnel manning the checkpoints and triage units were told to continue strict implementation of the entry rules.

City authorities continue to monitor and address those with problems with compliance.

Recently, the city adjusted protocols being implemented at the night market after observing problems on crowding and violations of the minimum public health standards.

A one-way traffic was implemented, health protocol officers were designated per block to work with the Baguio City Police Office and Public Order and Safety Division personnel to monitor implementation of MPHS among patrons and vendors.

“It is easy to get carried away by the festivities.  But remember how hard we worked to make our situation better, to have a better Christmas this year.  Let’s not waste it by making the mistake of letting our guard down,” the mayor said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo

PIO_Baguio