Baguio shuts down central Covid-19 triage center

The city’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) triage center located at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center’s (BCCC) parking area has ceased operations effective December 31, 2022, as the Summer Capital reopened its doors to tourists.

Established in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, the center was the place where all visitors who were showing symptoms of the infectious disease, were tested, isolated, and referred to health authorities for next steps.

In its stead, City Health Services Office (CHSO) assistant head Dr. Celiaflor Brillantes said local hotels and other accommodation establishments have been instructed to conduct their own triage services for billeted clients or else have them referred to the nearest health center in their area.

Last year, Mayor Benjamin Magalong asked these hotels and accommodation establishments to have their own triage facilities in preparation for the planned winding down of operations of the central triage center at the BCCC.

Together with other city and health officials, Brillantes is calling on residents and visitors to strictly adhere to minimum public health standards and get their vaccination and booster shots especially those belonging to vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with comorbidities.

She said free Covid-19 vaccination is being done daily at the CHSO and on scheduled dates at barangay health centers including at SM City Baguio from 10 am to 4 pm. – Gaby B. Keith