Baguio, Kalinga town ban set on returning residents pending lack of quarantine stations

BAGUIO CITY – This summer capital and a town in Kalinga are not yet ready to accept returning residents due to the Covid-19 virus.  

In Baguio, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said rules for resident’s return should be fixed.

Magalong said Baguio does not have enough quarantine and health facilities to accommodate around 50,000 residents who want to return home.

”We do not want a second wave of cases to happen in the city,” he said.

Magalong said a technical working group proposed guidelines for a manageable re-entry of stranded residents.

He said those coming to the city should undergo triage, quarantine or hospitalization if needed. 

Magalong cited need to coordinate with concerned local government units and strictly observe health and safety standards.  

Health declaration forms, which can be accessed online, should be filled out by returning residents. 

In Kalinga, Capt. Willy Dumansi, police chief of Tanudan town, appealed to his townmates who were stranded in Metro Manila and other areas to remain in their location.

Dumansi said isolation facilities in the town are not adequate to accommodate stranded overseas Filipino workers, students, employees and residents who wish to come home.

He said the local government lacks resources and manpower to monitor its 16 barangays.

“If possible, you better stay in your present location if you can assess your convenience comparing to what will be your situation when you are isolated in barangay health facilities for 14 days,” Dumansi said.