Baguio City, Benguet towns to impose two-week border restrictions

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) — The local chief executives of Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay in Benguet have agreed to implement strict border controls for 14 days starting this Sunday to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease, which threatens to overwhelm their local healthcare systems.

Only essential travel, such as for purposes of accessing basic services and goods, to and from the six areas is allowed from Jan. 10 to 24, the mayors said in a joint advisory on Thursday.

They said those permitted to travel must show valid IDs as proof of residence as well as health declaration forms at checkpoints. Printable health declaration forms can be found here.

Exempted from checkpoint requirements are the following:

1. Health workers

2. Uniformed personnel

3. Members of the city/provincial/municipal COVID-19 contact tracing teams

4. Members of the city/provincial/municipal COVID-19 task force and the personnel in LGU and agency offices

5. Cargo and logistic services, and service providers for water, electricity, telecommunications, information and communications technology and waste management utilities

Meanwhile, those coming from outside the six areas will need to present a travel permit and medical certificate at checkpoints. People going to Baguio City can view more details about the city’s entry protocols at hdf.baguio.gov.ph or visita.baguio.gov.ph.

The mayors of Baguio City and the five Benguet towns have also enforced border regulations last December 16 until December 22 as preparation for the holiday surge.