AS THE Summer Capital transitions next week from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ), rules have been crafted for the protection and safety of all.
City Planning and Development Officer Antonette Anaban presented proposed guidelines for the transition of the city during the regular council session Monday, May 11.
“The city will continue the implementation of a whole of society approach in preventing and controlling the further spread of infection while gradually transitioning from ECQ to GCQ. This approach emphasizes the significant roles played not only by the local government unit’s health sector, but by all other sectors, individuals, families and communities in mitigating the effects of the Covid-19,” Anaban said.
The city planning officer added under the GCQ scheme, more business establishments and activities will be permitted to resume operation as stipulated under the national IATF Omnibus Guidelines. However, the resumption of additional establishments should be very cautious to avert the local transmission of the disease.
Work in government offices may be at full operational capacity or under such alternative work arrangements as agencies and offices may deem proper in accordance with the Civil Service Commission.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong explained to the City Council fine points of the transition plan as he stressed it was crafted to avoid a second wave of Covid-19 infection.
Magalong added the switch to GCQ status does not mean the city is Covid-19 free while urging the public to remain vigilant and continue to practice all precautionary measures to halt the spread of the virus.
The mayor said the process of creating transition plans for sectors like arts, business, construction, manufacturing, tourism will be completed and presented with guidelines, rules, and requirements for returning residents included.
“We are preparing schedules when certain businesses can open along with proper guidelines you need to implement in your businesses. Some businesses may be allowed to operate everyday while others will only operate on certain days, some businesses may be allowed to operate first while others will have to wait longer,” said Magalong.
Border control and curfew
The city will continue to strictly implement border control with only those authorized by the national Covid-19 IATF, those with essential travels to Baguio, Overseas Filipino Workers who coordinated with OWWA and returning Baguio residents allowed to enter the city.
The curfew will be maintained in a 24/7 period at all times with specific hours from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day, however, employers and workers in permitted establishments are allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday is still lockdown day with senior citizens given the privilege to use the day as their grocery day. Vital establishments such as groceries and drugstores will remain open except those located within the city market.
Mass gathering and school
All mass gatherings and unnecessary social gatherings are not allowed including business, political and sports related mass gatherings.
Physical classes are still suspended while higher education institutions (HEI) are allowed to hold classes through flexible learning arrangements to finish the academic year and may operate at a limited capacity to receive student’s requirements and prepare and issue credentials per CHED Guidelines.
Market schedules/safety and sanitation
The market schedule for barangays and La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tublay and Tuba areas will continue.
Safety and sanitation guidelines include the mandatory use of face masks and strict hygiene sanitation practices coupled with strict physical distancing in all establishments and public spaces.
The rule prohibiting spitting of momma in public areas will be enforced.
Liquor ban stays
The sale, distribution, and public consumption of any alcoholic product remains prohibited.
Meanwhile, the city will have separate isolation centers and quarantine facilities for OFWs, non-OFWs, and frontline workers and returning residents.
Movement of all Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORS) is allowed while Non-APORs may go out to access basic need, accomplish necessary errands, and attend to medical emergencies and appointments, subject to restriction stated in the Home Quarantine Pass (HQP), and district market days.
Businesses allowed under GCQ
Essential business establishments and activities from Monday-Saturday except for groceries and drugstores are allowed to open until Sunday for senior citizens.
Non-essential businesses allowed by the National Inter Agency Task Force but on limited number of days [Mondays-Wednesdays and others from Thursdays to Saturdays] and capacity coupled with strict precautionary measures.
Specific sections in the Baguio City Public Market are divided into stalls A and B with different schedules (Monday-Wednesday, and Thursday-Saturday) to maintain social distancing while other non-essential businesses that will be allowed to resume during GCQ are required to submit their respective sketch plans and operational guidelines to the Permits and Licensing Division.
Medical and health clinics are subject to City Health Services Office (CHSO) clearance while restaurants should follow the guidelines set by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio.
Construction activities are only for critical and priority projects and with separate requirements and guidelines. Operation time is 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Public transportation is allowed but with limited number and 50 percent occupancy with curfew at 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day. Separate guidelines will be prepared by the Baguio City Traffic Management TWG integrating the LTFRB Guidelines.