City scales down triage, isolation, testing operations

The city government has scaled down its triage, isolation and testing operations as it continues the winding down of its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) control and response systems with the easing up of pandemic protocols nationwide.

City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo said starting Nov. 21, 2022, they have reduced the time of operation of the Baguio City Central Triage from 24 hours to nine hours or from 8am to 5pm (Sundays to Saturdays) for triaging and from 8 am to 4 pm (Sundays to Saturdays) for antigen testing.

They are also planning to close the city’s community isolation facility at Sto. Nino Hospital temporarily if the number of patients for admission is less than 10. The patients will instead be housed at the central triage under home isolation guidelines.

Most of the city’s patients are now on home isolation save for those whose homes are not favorable.

Galpo said the city has also scaled down testing protocols pursuant to the guidelines of the Dept. of Health (DOH) limiting testing only to symptomatic health workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidity.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city will continue winding down its COVID-19 systems and will instead continue to promote vaccination, being the primary preventive measure against severe COVID-19 illnesses, hospitalization and death. – Aileen P. Refuerzo