Residents of Itogon, Benguet are temporarily barred from entering this city starting Tuesday (Nov. 3), Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.

In an advisory issued Nov. 2, Magalong said as agreed upon with Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan, Itogon residents, except those working or doing business in Baguio, are temporarily prohibited from crossing the borders to and from this city.

The latest move aims to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) following a surge in the number of cases in Itogon.

The restriction starts at noon Tuesday until Nov. 15.

Itogon shares a common border with Baguio and is accessible via the Tuding Road near Mines View, the Kias Road near the Philippine Military Academy and the Benguet- Vizcaya Road via Beckel.

Itogon was placed on the radar of the National Inter-Agency Task Force against Covid-19 when it started recording a surge in cases starting Oct. 22.

It first recorded the highest single-day record on Oct. 30 with 66 cases. The town broke its own single-day record on Nov. 1 when it logged 159 Covid-19-positive cases.

“This will give the municipal government of Itogon time to recalibrate their Covid-19 response measures as they continue with their expanded testing operations,” Magalong’s advisory read.

He said only authorized persons outside residence (APOR), which include those working in Baguio or doing business, are allowed to enter the city and exit towards Itogon.

APORs need to show a valid government-issued identification showing an address in Itogon, proof of employment or business in Baguio City through a company ID, certificate of employment, business permit, and the like.

They are also required to present a medical certificate issued by the Municipal Health Office of Itogon, stating that the worker is neither a possible, probable, or suspect case of Covid-19 and that the person does not exhibit flu-like symptoms in the last seven days.

In the absence of a medical certificate, the person allowed entry will be directed to the central triage at Baguio Convention Center for health assessment.

In case the entry to the city is for medical purposes, a doctor’s referral or confirmation of medical appointment is required.

Itogon does not have hospitals due to its proximity to the city where there are seven sentinel hospitals.

Magalong also urged offices and establishments who have employees and workers residing in Itogon to implement a work-from-home or alternative work arrangements during the restriction period. (PNA)