by Marian Galvan
Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced that checkpoints would be placed at all entry and exit points (3 main highways and 3 bypass roads) to Baguio city through an online post last March 14. This came as a prevention and response measure against the rising number of COVID-19 cases around the country.
The joint Philippine National Police (PNP) and Health Service checkpoints were set up starting yesterday, March 15 at 7:00 AM.
Along Marcos Highway, the checkpoint would be implemented 24/7 according to a police advisory from PNP Baguio Station Ten.
All travelers using both public and private vehicles are required to submit health declaration forms showing personal and travel history data in order for possible COVID-19 carriers to be identified easily.
The forms include the following data: name, age, sex, nationality, present address, contact details, date and time of travel/arrival, occupation, place of work, statement of illness in the last 30 days, seat number and bus company name (for PUV passengers) and place of stay while in the city.
Downloadable forms are available on the official Facebook page of the Public Information Office – City of Baguio.
Furthermore, as part of preventing the spread of COVID-1, travelers would need to undergo thermal scans at the checkpoints. Those found to have high temperatures would be assisted in going to the hospital for further tests.
Magalong has also enforced strict warnings on travelers from Manila to follow the city’s self-quarantine guideline or face arrest.
He personally monitored the ongoing operations of the checkpoints yesterday, March 15.
Last March 14, governor Jocelyn Bernos confirmed that a resident from Abra tested positive for COVID-19. This marks the first case of COVID-19 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
As of March 15, 9:00 PM there are a total of 225 PUMs in Baguio City, with 103 having completed the 14-day quarantine period, and 122 still under completion.