Baguio City local government released its guideline for tourists from Region 1 before they could enter the city starting September 22.
Tourists who would like to go to the Summer Capital should first fill out a health declaration form online via the local government’s website at hdf.baguio.gov.ph, Darlene Cay reported on GMA News’ Unang Balita on Wednesday.
Visitors would need their provide personal information, the intention of their trip, contact person in the city, the vehicle that they will use, destination, photo, and travel clearance.
The local government unit will then evaluate the form and will contact the tourists if their registration is approved.
Authorities also set up checkpoints with triage areas at the city’s borders.
At the first triage, tourists will need to provide the reference number of the health declaration form upon entry.
They would then proceed to the second triage at Teacher’s Camp to undergo a temperature check and present a medical certificate.
Also read: Forest House in Baguio closing after 19 years
Baguio releases guidelines for Region 1 tourists
A nurse would also interview for the tourists’ health evaluation.
Aside from the screening, the tourists are also mandated to book hotel accommodation and undergo a COVID-19 test while in there. They will only be allowed to go around the city if the test result is negative.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier said Baguio needed to reopen to tourists to boost its economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Magalong said the city’s tourism industry already lost P1.7 billion in revenue since the lockdown was imposed in March.
He added the loss would reach P4 billion if they do not open until the end of 2020.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier said Baguio, La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur would join the “tourism bubble.”
“Region I muna kasi lahat sila under ng MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) so simulan muna natin and kung successful tayo, paunti-unti at tsaka magdadagdag ng other regions,” she said.
“Dry run muna ito… Ang importante kasi puwede ang mga tiga-Baguio na pumunta ng Region I and mga tiga-Region I puwede sa Baguio…’ Yong protocols din pareho,” she added.