Baguio, Benguet towns impose strict border control Feb. 1-15

By Carlito C. Dar

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet --– Strict border control  within Baguio City and  Benguet towns of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay, otherwise known as the BLISTT area will be imposed to address rise of cases and  confirmation of new variant case in this capital town.
    The temporary restricted access in BLISTT is effective Feb. 1 to 15 to limit non – essential movement of people.
    The agreement was signed by all Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong and mayors Romeo Salda of La Trinidad, Victorio     Palangdan of Itogon, Manuel Munar Jr of Sablan, Armando Lauro of Tublay and Clarita Sallongan in January 26.
    Under the agreement, all inter– BLISTT travelers, for travel or to avail of essential goods and services, shall present medical certificate or medical clearance issued by any licensed physician affirming the resident has not exhibited flu – like symptoms during assessment.
    Said medical certificate or clearance has a validity of 10 days.
    For persons who are travelling for medical appointments or consultation, they need only to show proof of their confirmed appointments while those with immediate medical emergencies shall be allowed to pass through.
    Cargo and logistics services, water, electricity and communications, IT and waste management shall likewise be given unhampered passage, provided their personnel maintain no – contact policy and shall strictly observe minimum public health standards at all times.
    Non-resident travelers coming to BLISTT from other areas must present travel authority/permit and medical certificate issued in their place of origin.
    Baguio City Police Office director Col. Allen Rae Co said
this newest BLISTT advisory has no effect on usual requirements of Baguio residents who need to travel outside the city or those going home to Baguio. 
    Same travel requirements for Baguio tourists remain.-- PIA CAR Cordillera