The local government unit (LGU) of Baguio City announced on Monday, April 12, that leisure travel to the country’s summer capital is still prohibited "until further notice."
In a Facebook post, Baguio City LGU said it will begin observing the revised general community (GCQ) guidelines under Executive Order (EO) No. 51 signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on April 10, 2021.
Under the guidelines, tourism and leisure travels will remain suspended "until such time that the Department of Tourism (DOT) allows accommodation establishments in Baguio to accept guests for leisure purposes."
The LGU further said that, for now, only residents can participate in permitted local tourism activities, as well as staycations.
Meanwhile, those identified as authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) who are traveling based on authorized, official, or work-related purposes will be permitted to enter the city subject to triage protocols and documentary requirements.
APORs will still be required to register online through hdf.baguio.gov.ph, the LGU added.
Tourists outside Baguio City with pre-approved travels and those who have already been issued with the QR-Coded Tourist Pass were advised to rebook or cancel their travel.
"We apologize for the inconvenience, as we hurdle through these challenging times in ensuring the health and safety of everyone," it added.
Leisure travelers from the NCR-plus bubble have been barred from visiting the City of Pines since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was reimposed on March 29.
As of April 11, data from City Health Services Office showed that Baguio has 1,258 active coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, with 117 fatalities linked to the disease. A total of 8,706 infections have been recorded in the city since the pandemic started in March 2020.