People’s mobility up in Baguio; caution vs. Covid urged

People’s mobility in the city had increased significantly in the past weeks with the Dec. 5 measurement registering the highest among the mobility rates in the past 12 months of the pandemic, according to the City Health Services Office. 

City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo, in her report to the Management Committee (MANCOM) led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Dec. 7, said latest Baguio metropolitan area mobility graphs showed increased people movement in parks, transit stations, retail businesses, recreational sites as well as in workplaces and residences.

Mobility rates in groceries and pharmacies, on the other hand, rose just slightly.

Mayor Magalong said this was expected as the city reopened its economy with the easing up of quarantine status after overcoming the delta variant-driven surge in Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

He however reminded the people not to let their guards down even in the midst of the holiday festivities to sustain the decrease in cases and avoid relapsing into another wave especially with the omicron variant danger lurking around.

“Complacency is our biggest enemy now.  Let’s not get carried away.  We all worked hard to make our situation better, to have a better Christmas this year.  Let’s not waste it by making the mistake of letting our guard down,” the mayor said as he emphasized the importance of adhering to the minimum public health standards whether inside or outside homes.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council which is again spearheading the contingency planning for the omicron variant advised the public to maintain safety while celebrating Christmas and New Year safely by avoiding the following: social gatherings with drinking, long meals in large groups, conversation without wearing a mask, living together in a small limited space or communal sharing, switching of locations while in a gatherings.

Residents are also advised to if possible restrict unvaccinated household members to their homes and to seek medical assistance if experiencing symptoms. – Aileen P. Refuerzo