BLISTT enhance border control

A HEALTH declaration form will be required in checkpoints

within Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay (BLISTT).

In a joint advisory signed by Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan, Sablan Mayor Manuel Munar, Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal- ongan, Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro, the officials decided to implement a temporary enhanced border regulation between BLISTT areas.

Starting Dec. 16 to Dec. 22, the entry to and between the BLISTT areas will be limited to travels for work or official business and for access to essential goods and services.

At the border checkpoints, all BLISTT stakeholders are enjoined to present valid government IDs as proof of residence together with health declaration forms.

The advisory added health workers, uniformed personnel, members of the city/ provincial/ municipal contact tracing teams and Covid19 task force and personnel in local government units and agency offices need to present their valid government IDs only.

Cargo, logistics services and service providers for water, electricity, telecommunications, and waste management utilities will continue to be given unhampered passage through checkpoints.

On the other hand, non- resident travelers entering BLISTT from other regions or provinces must have with them and show their registration form ( QR Code for Baguio City or Travel Authority for LISTT towns) and medical certificates issued in their place of origin.

BLISTT mayors urge “everyone to limit other movements and activities, so that together, we lessen the risk of transmission between and within our respective units. Let us always prioritize health and safety, and consider the welfare of those around us, most specially our senior citizens, children and immunocompromised constituents. Let us always wash or disinfect our hands, wear our face masks and face shields, maintain safe distance from others, watch out for symptoms of flu or loss of taste and avoid unnecessary gatherings in indoor settings.”

Also present in the signing of the joint advisory is the National Economic Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region (NEDA – CAR) and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO).

Department of Health (DOH) – CAR data shows that over 80% of the total Covid-19 confirmed cases and Covid-19 related deaths in the region are from the BLISTT area.

In order to prevent the spread of the virus in Baguio City and the five Benguet towns, it was recommended there should be border restrictions.

A uniform health declaration form was released for the stakeholders on social media of the local government units that should be utilized when entering the BLISTT areas. The forms will also be set to be available at border checkpoints and barangay offices.

The forms will be valid for one day and can be reproduced multiple times and will be needed when passing multiple checkpoints a day.