AS QUARANTINE protocols eased in the country, Benguet officials stressed this is not an invitation to go outside, as they reminded all to follow health protocols.
The Provincial Government reminded everyone who ventures outside to wear face masks, observe physical distancing, observe cough etiquettes and to sanitize their hands.
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases passed Resolution 40, series of 2020, declaring all provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) from June 1 to 15.
In La Trinidad, Mayor Romeo Salda issued guidelines for stakeholders to follow minimum public health standards of mandatory 14-day quarantine for all persons coming from Covid-19 positive areas, persons coming from outside Benguet.
Mandatory quarantine is not required for OFWs who already underwent quarantine as well as drivers for cargo.
Salda added that when in public places, stakeholders are asked to minimize contact, maintain physical distancing of at least one meter apart, face mask must be used in public places. Avoid touching the face especially mouth and nose and wash hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, if not available use alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Authorized persons allowed to go out during market schedule except minors, senior citizens, those with immunodeficiency, and pregnant women, should follow the curfew of 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day.
Mass gatherings are only allowed up to 50 percent capacity of the venue or seating capacity.
Classes in higher education institutions (HEIs) may be conducted provided there is strict compliance with minimum safety standards,
consultation with the local government unit, and compliance with Commission on Higher Education (Ched) guidelines.
Activities of HEIs that involve mass gatherings are still prohibited.
Government offices are allowed to resume physical reporting to work at full operating capacity.
Alternative work arrangements shall be available for persons 60 years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women.
Private transport allowed given that it follows guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation and Railways (DOTr).
Private and public construction are allowed upon consultation with the Municipal Engineering Office.
Under the executive order, at Maximum Operational Capacity are industries in Category I, II, III such as: Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, Manufacturing of essential goods, food and beverages (only non-alcoholic drinks), financial institutions, hygiene, medicines and vitamins, medicinal products, fertilizers, hospitals and non-aesthetic clinics, essential retail stores, laundry shops, food preparation and water refilling, logistics service providers, delivery services, media, utilities, repair and installation of machinery, telecommunication services and energy companies, DPWH-accredited construction workers, gas stations, manufacturing/suppliers of construction products.
Category II industries composed of: electrical machinery, wood products, furniture, non-metallic products, textiles or wearing apparels, tobacco products, paper, rubber, plastic, and petroleum products, computer, electronic and optical products, electrical equipment, machineries, motor vehicles, trailers, other transport equipment, wagwagan, cement and steel, mining and quarrying, electronic commerce companies, postal, courier and delivery services, repair of computers and personal household goods, housing service activities, office administrative, funeral and embalming, veterinary clinics, security and investigation services, Computer shops.
Category III: malls or commercial centers (non-leisure only), hardware, clothing and accessories, toy stores, pet food and pet care supplies, flower, novelty, pefurme shops, jewelry, bookstores, school and office supplies, rental and leasing other than real estate.
Restaurants, barber shops, salons and personal care service establishment, libraries, museums and cultural centers are open at 50 percent capacity.
For partial operation are advertising and market research, computer programming, publishing and printing services including newspapers and books, film music and television production, other activities such as photography, fashion, industrial, graphic and interior design, wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles, repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles, malls and commercial centers.
Stakeholders are asked to present their company or employee's, government ID, certificate of employment, return to work order, or worker's pass when passing thru police checkpoints.
Mayor Victorio Palangdan confirmed another Covid-19 positive case in Itogon on Monday.
Benguet now has two active Covid-19 cases.
Palangdan earlier announced one individual, a 40-year-old male from Proper Ucab, was found positive for coronavirus.
Initial report revealed that the 40-year-old male is a jail officer from New Bilibid Prison, Manila.
He said the second confirmed Covid-19 patient is from Labilab, Loacan, Itogon, also a Bureau of Corrections official from Manila.
The Department of Health in Cordillera said both male patients are in stable condition.