Baguio lays out requirements for Region 1 tourists arriving starting September 22

The local government of Baguio City has issued the requirements for tourists from Region 1 who will be allowed to enter the city starting September 22.

Those who would like to visit Baguio City should first fill out a health declaration form online via the local government’s  website at hdf.baguio.gov.ph, according to a report of Darlene Cay on GMA News’ Unang Balita on Wednesday.

Tourists will be asked for personal information, the intention of their trip, contact person in the city, vehicle that they will use, destination, photo, and travel clearance.

The local government unit will then evaluate the form and will contact the tourists regarding the status of their registration.

Checkpoints with triage areas have been set up at the city's borders.

At the first triage, authorities will ask for the reference number of the health declaration form of tourists upon entry.

For the second screening at the Teacher’s Camp, tourists will undergo a temperature check and present a medical certificate.

A nurse will also conduct an interview for the health evaluation of tourists.

Tourists are also required to book hotel accommodation and undergo a COVID-19 test while in the hotel. If the test result is negative, only then will a tourist be allowed to go around the city.

As of Tuesday, eight new cases and seven recoveries were reported in Baguio City. Four cases were symptomatic. Out of the three close contacts of COVID-19 cases, one tested positive for the disease.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier said they needed to open the city to tourism already to boost the economy amid the health crisis.

He estimated the loss in tourism revenues at P1.7 billion since the lockdown in March.

Magalong said the loss will reach P4 billion if they will not open until the end of the year.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier said Baguio, La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur will be part of a “tourism bubble” in a bid to boost the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“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. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News