Baguio, Itogon lift restrictions

THE Baguio City Government lifted Monday, November 16, the travel restrictions to and from Itogon, Benguet.

Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said the lifting was announced 13 days after the City Government of Baguio issued the restrictions on November 3.

To recall, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued an advisory temporary banning Itogon residents from entering the city and the same with Baguio residents entering the municipality to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Palangdan said since there was no extension made and as per agreement with Magalong, the restriction was lifted on Monday.

He said, however, that the granular lockdown on every sitios implemented by the barangays in the town are still in effect.

Health workers are exempted from checkpoint requirements, while residents needing non-emergency medical attention need to present proof of confirmed appointment or doctor's referral slip.

Itogon officials earlier passed a resolution requesting Magalong to recall his advisory that temporarily restricted access between the city and the Benguet town, saying they understand the predicament of the city in protecting its people by controlling the entry of residents of the town but temporary restriction poses an additional burden to the people of Itogon.

Another talk was held between two local government units and the advisory on the travel restrictions was amended.

Although the restriction was lifted, stakeholders were reminded to observe health protocols.

Meanwhile, Itogon's Covid-19 active cases decreased, with 148 active out of the 649 total cases. At least 497 have recovered.