Baguio allows running, walking, Zumba at parks, open areas

By Pigeon Lobien  

BAGUIO CITY – Parks here are now open for joggers and fitness buffs as the city shifts to general community quarantine (GCQ).

Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Friday said that residents can now leave their houses from 5 a.m. to 8 a. m. on scheduled days to walk or do Zumba at the Burnham Park and Baguio Athletic Bowl.

The city was placed under enhanced community quarantine for nearly two months due to the threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Magalong said that residents can avail of a separate quarantine pass that will allow them to jog or walk in the three hours that serve as a window to exercise.

He, however, said that Zumba at Burnham Park will be limited to 15 participants, so there is a need to schedule participants to prevent crowding.

"Fifteen lang ang allowed kaya ayusin nila ang schedule at dapat may two meters distance sa bawat isa (Only 15 is allowed so they have to fix the schedule and there should be a distance of two meters between participants)," Magalong said.

Joggers using the roads in the barangays must also get a sports pass but can do the same daily unlike at Burnham Park where joggers and those having Zumba can go and exercise.

He reminded the public that only those aged 21 up to 59 are allowed to go out. Sunday is a lockdown day in the city but opens for senior citizens.

“Residents must get a separate quarantine pass specifically for exercising,” he told media.

But this does not allow the person to go to the market after the three hours window. “The pass for the market will still be used, and the person can only go to the market on the specified days and hours for their barangay cluster,” he said.

Magalong said that all parks or open spaces within the city can be used for said health activities

"Prospective participants should ensure that before the allowed time expires, they are already in the comforts of their respective homes to avoid any troubles with the law," he said. (PNA)