Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Entry of returning 50,000 residents on hold until Baguio City OKs health protocols -- Magalong
Philippines
Entry of returning 50,000 residents on hold until Baguio City OKs health protocols -- Magalong
Entry of returning 50,000 residents on hold until Baguio City OKs health protocols -- Magalong
Published May 7, 2020 12:00 am
By Zaldy Comanda
BAGUIO CITY - The city’s program for returning Baguio residents (RBR) is being put on hold while preparations and health protocols are still being finalized.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that protocols for RBR need to be fine-tuned so that the city’s health and safety facilities do not get overwhelmed.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong
(JJ Landingin / MANILA BULLETIN) He appealed for understanding as the safety measures are being done to ensure that the city is safe and ready when residents are finally allowed to come home. “As of now, we are not ready for the influx of RBRs because we do not have enough triage, quarantine, and health facilities. We do not want a second wave of cases to happen in our city so we have to be careful about this," Magalong said. At present, the city’s triage and facilities cannot accommodate the almost 50,000 residents wanting to return. However, a Technical Working Group, headed by Engr. Philip Puzon, has already drawn up the guidelines for a systematic process for returning residents. He said that the guidelines should ensure a manageable re-entry process for RBRs so that all those coming into the city can undergo triage, and possible quarantine or hospitalization, without overwhelming the city's health facilities. The system will utilize online registration, coordination among local government units, and a strict observance of health and safety standards. Health Declaration Forms, accessible online at http://hdf.baguio.gov.ph/welcome, will also be required. The proposed RBR guidelines were presented to the City’s Management Committee to show the processes and possible problem areas that might arise during its implementation. Based on the proposal, the need for adequate triage, health facilities, and sufficient test kits are crucial for its efficient implementation. The proposal is still being finalized as of this writing. Until these guidelines are approved, the city’s policy of only allowing APORs (Authorized Persons Outside Residences) and those with essential travel into the city remains. Magalong is looking at the third week of May for the guidelines to take effect. Puzon said the guidelines will also be applicable to non-residents who have been stranded in the city, and who intend to go home in coordination with their respective local government units. According to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Baguio Federation President, Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales, there are still around 2,000 students from other provinces/cities who are staying in various dormitories and boarding houses in the city.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong(JJ Landingin / MANILA BULLETIN) He appealed for understanding as the safety measures are being done to ensure that the city is safe and ready when residents are finally allowed to come home. “As of now, we are not ready for the influx of RBRs because we do not have enough triage, quarantine, and health facilities. We do not want a second wave of cases to happen in our city so we have to be careful about this," Magalong said. At present, the city’s triage and facilities cannot accommodate the almost 50,000 residents wanting to return. However, a Technical Working Group, headed by Engr. Philip Puzon, has already drawn up the guidelines for a systematic process for returning residents. He said that the guidelines should ensure a manageable re-entry process for RBRs so that all those coming into the city can undergo triage, and possible quarantine or hospitalization, without overwhelming the city's health facilities. The system will utilize online registration, coordination among local government units, and a strict observance of health and safety standards. Health Declaration Forms, accessible online at http://hdf.baguio.gov.ph/welcome, will also be required. The proposed RBR guidelines were presented to the City’s Management Committee to show the processes and possible problem areas that might arise during its implementation. Based on the proposal, the need for adequate triage, health facilities, and sufficient test kits are crucial for its efficient implementation. The proposal is still being finalized as of this writing. Until these guidelines are approved, the city’s policy of only allowing APORs (Authorized Persons Outside Residences) and those with essential travel into the city remains. Magalong is looking at the third week of May for the guidelines to take effect. Puzon said the guidelines will also be applicable to non-residents who have been stranded in the city, and who intend to go home in coordination with their respective local government units. According to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Baguio Federation President, Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales, there are still around 2,000 students from other provinces/cities who are staying in various dormitories and boarding houses in the city.