Time to shake lockdown blues away in Baguio City

BAGUIO CITY — The city government here has opened public places, particularly the famous Burnham Park, to Zumba, jogging, and other exercises starting Sunday, May 17.

This, as the city transitioned from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to the more permissive general community quarantine (GCQ) on Saturday, May 16.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, however, clarified that the conduct of the health activities must be in line with the “new normal” where observation of social distancing and wearing of face masks would be strictly enforced.

He tasked city managers to firm up guidelines to ensure safety of health buffs from the dangers of COVID-19.

The time allowed for such activities will be from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., from Monday to Saturday, with promenaders observing physical distancing of at least five meters from each other, and the wearing of face mask.

They will also be required to

secure fitness passes from City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO).

Those aged 21 years old and below, and 60 years old and above will not be allowed to join the health activities at the parks, except on Sundays.

The mayor said, guidelines governing the GCQ on the conduct of various activities, including sports and leisure, will undergo appropriate adjustments to comply with national policies aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

He also cautioned the promenaders to be conscious of the three-hour time limit at the parks.

The City Environment and Parks Management Office, City Sports Office and the local police are charged with strictly enforcing guidelines in

the conduct of the health activities.

Under the GCQ, there shall be a gradual resumption of select businesses, services and other activities in the city. The measured transition is geared towards preventing a possible “second wave” of the dreaded COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the local government is likewise working on guidelines for other sports activities that may be allowed during the GCQ. This was in response to the growing clamor of sports enthusiasts for the resumption of events where social distancing may be observed.

For now, sports enthusiasts are advised by the local government to closely monitor announcements regarding the conduct of health activities.