The city’s response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has morphed yet again.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong ordered immediate identification of areas in the city’s barangays where persons with mild COVID-19 symptoms and those who are asymptomatic may be quarantined.
He tasked the City Health Services Office (CHSO) and the Liga ng mga Barangay to coordinate with officials of Baguio’s 128-barangays.
The order comes in the heels of an Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) resolution directing local government units to refer asymptomatic persons and those with mild symptoms of disease to be contained in isolation facilities instead of their own homes.
It likewise follows a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in the city over the past days, placing the count of active cases in the city to 16.
For his part, Councilor Michael L. Lawana assured the mayor he will coordinate closely with City Health officer Dr. Rowena Galpo for the soonest execution of the order.
He said, existing structures or possible areas will be assessed at the soonest to determine its viability as seat for COVID-19 isolation units.
In a related development, City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña informed city councilors, July 20, there are available prototypes for isolation facilities, which may be tailored for barangay use.
He claimed, the price range for construction of a facility begins at ₱400-thousand and may increase depending on the materials and the timeframe the structure may be put up.
With urgency, the City Council then resolved to recommend to Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong the use of the remaining P8 million from the city’s ₱78-million “Bayanihan” grant for the facilities. (Dexter A. See)
