Follow us for updates
© 2022 reportr.world
Read the Story →

Baguio Delays Reopening After Drinking Session Sparks Outbreak

At the drinking session, people shared utensils and a shot glass.
by Joel Guinto
Sep 22, 2020
Photo/s: Unsplash / Carmela Asistio
Shares

Baguio City's reopening to tourists from surrounding provinces was pushed back by a week to give authorities time to contain two outbreaks. The culprits? People who disregarded safety protocols at a drinking party, its mayor said Tuesday.

There were 38 cases in Barangay Slaughterhouse, which is famed for restaurants that serve highland fare like dinakdakan and sinanglaw using goat meat. In Barangay Lourdes, near the main tourist center, the lockdown was extended due to residents who refused to cooperate with contact-tracers, said Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Magalong is also the Philippines' contact-tracing czar and he has largely succeeded in containing the outbreak in the city, using his extensive background in police intelligence. A tourism "bubble" with neighbor provinces in the Ilocos Region was supposed to start on Tuesday,

ALSO READ:
Baguio's Newest Instagram Spot, SM's Sky Terrace, Stirs Road Trip Dreams
How Baguio Became a Contact-Tracing Model: Phone Calls and Persuasion

"Nang mag-inuman, malasing, iisang baso na lang, iisang utensil ang ginagamit... Wala nang physical distancing, wala na ring pakialam sa minimum health standards (They got drunk and shared utensils and one drinking glass. There was no physical distancing, compliance with minimum health standards)," Magalong told TeleRadyo.

Continue reading below ↓

Up to 200 tourists per day will be allowed into the city starting next week, he said.

Magalong also appealed for volunteers to help augment the country's army of contact-tracers. Ideally, each team will be composed of four people with different backgroundsin health and intelligence work.

"We need volunteers, cause-oriented groups na sa tingin nila meron silang critical thinking ability, iyong members may investigative mindset, hindi naman naghahanap ng suweldo. They can always volunteer," he said.

Addressing those who want to visit Baguio, Magalong said city officials were observing what he called "3S" -- surely, safely and slowly.

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos
Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
A long-time spokesman of the Army and the Armed Forces.
With the reopening of several local destinations, this app has never been more timely.
An exhibit of paintings she received during the campaign.
He wins the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.
Third crown for the country in the pageant for trans women.
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.