By Rose Frejane A. Cruz
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – “The current 41 cases of COVID-19 recorded from January to May in Baguio City are mild, manageable and nothing to worry about,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured in his social media post on July 11.
“I want to assure our residents that this situation remains manageable — the virus that is spreading is COVID-19 itself, the reported cases are mild, and there is no cause for concern. Notably, most of these cases are focused on our healthcare workers and hospital staff, not the general public, and our City Health Services Office, together with our hospitals, are closely monitoring and responding to this within our health facilities,” Magalong said in his social media post, on July 11.
According to Magalong, health authorities have been directed to remain vigilant and strengthen safety measures within hospitals, while assuring the public that health facilities remain safe and capable of serving the community.
He also urged everyone to continue to take simple precautions — wearing a mask in crowded places, washing hands regularly, and staying home when sick — and to trust the City Government, which is aware of the situation.
“We will continue to provide timely updates as needed. Let’s face this with calm and confidence, not fear.”
City Health Officer Cecilia Flor Brillantes said that despite the gradual increase in cases, it is “under control” and residents should not worry, but rather be alert in taking care of their physical condition.
According to Brillantes, the coronavirus is just one of several respiratory viruses that have spread in the city this year, so the public is advised to be cautious, follow health protocols, such as wearing a face mask in crowded places and immediately consult a hospital if they feel anything unusual.
In the data, a total of 1,480 cases of Influenza-Like Illness were recorded in Baguio City, of which 312 were hospitalized – about 1 in 5 cases and no deaths were recorded, which is a reassuring sign that the current cases are being well managed.
Laboratory monitoring data for 2026 reported a changing mix of pathogens throughout the year, with January being the busiest month for virology, with Influenza A (H3), two strains of Influenza B (Victoria and an unidentified strain), SARS-CoV-2, and both RSV-A and RSV-B all detected.
In February, Influenza A (H3) and Influenza B (Victoria) declined, while Influenza B (Victoria) was seen alongside SARS-CoV-2 in March.
April showed only Influenza B (Victoria), while May and June were dominated by pSARS-CoV-2 alone, but no cases of influenza or RSV were reported.
Laboratory surveillance detected influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during the first four months of the year.
According to Brillantes, “We are seeing an increase in cases, and while the numbers remain manageable, the concentration of workers in our hospital requires immediate and ongoing attention. Our priority is to protect our healthcare workers, our patients, and the continuity of health services in our city.”
Meanwhile, the city’s Hall of Justice has issued a memorandum encouraging judges, court personnel, litigants and other court users to wear face masks inside the office, due to the reported increase in COVID-19 cases and the confirmation that a local court employee has tested positive for the virus.
In a joint memorandum by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), all those entering the Hall of Justice (Main) and the Hall of Justice (CA Annex) are encouraged to wear face masks in an effort to strengthen health protocols in the city’s judicial facilities.
