Baguio City's temperatures dipped to 9.4 degrees Celsius, a record cold that lovers of cool weather welcome with open arms. However, the tourist spot elevated one notch to general community quarantine on Monday, meaning a change in guidelines for visitors looking to feel the chill.
If you're a tourist with plans of visiting Baguio at its coldest during the amihan season, you can still go, as long as you observe minimum public health standards and adhere to the city's regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Here's how the new quarantine classification will affect Baguio City tourists:
General guidelines
Like always, you have to wear a face mask and shield combo while maintaing physical distance. At least one meter distance must be observed.
All persons below the age of 15 and above 65 are barred from leaving their homes, save for the purchase of essentials. If you're a kid or a senior, it's best to skip the travels for now.
There will be a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. for all residents of Baguio City.
Transportation & getting there
Tourism and leisure travel shall be limited to residents, and non-residents who have duly registered with Baguio's Visita website.
If you're planning to go around the city on public transport, you have to wear a face mask and shield, otherwise you won't be allowed to ride.
Plastic barriers will be in place and contactless payments must be implemented. Sanitizers and alcohol dispensers must be readily available inside vehicles.
Lodging
Hotels, inns, and lodging establishments can only accommodate 50% capactiy for checked-in guests. For hotel restaurants, cafes, gyms, salons, and spas, only 75% may be accommodated.
Special events, functions, and permitted social gatherings can proceed on 30% capacity.
If you have a major event, inspection of the venue and the itinerary must be done by the City Health Services Office, and approved by the Office of the City Mayor.
Dining and drinking
Restaurants, cafes, eateries, and fast food establishments offering dine-in services will be allowed 75% seating capacity at any given time.
Starting Feb. 1, there will be a liquor ban from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. If you're planning to have drinks during your trip, you can only get a sip at duly authorized dining establishments.
For wine, beer, or cocktails, only a maximum of four individual servings will be allowed per diner.
For liquor and distilled spirits, a maximum of two bottles per table shared by two or more people where the volume of the bottle does not exceed one liter.
That, or a maximum of one bottle per shared table of two or more people where the volume of drink exceeds one liter.
Bars, nightclubs, and places dedicated solely to drinking are prohibited from operating during GCQ.
Recreation
Recreational activities such as walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting, diving, and skateboarding are allowed. However, establishments offering these services must be authorized and uphold minimum public health standards to keep visitors safe.
All activities will be limited to 75% capacity.
