By Pearl Gumapos
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Sunday (Aug. 22) issued Executive Order No. 99, series of 2021 that expands age-based home restrictions to all persons aged 17 and below.
The EO will be implemented from Aug. 23 to 29.
Under the EO, all persons aged 17 and below should stay at home at all times unless they need to go to indispensable appointments or handle transactions that require their physical presence, or to conduct recreational or leisure activities in outdoor areas/al fresco seating only.
This EO was implemented due to the increase of COVID-19 cases among children aged one to 17 years old. The city recorded 164 cases from that age group from Aug. 1 to 20.
Meanwhile, Magalong also emphasized the importance of data integrity regarding the presentation of COVID-19 data.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have seen to it that our COVID-19 numbers are as they are, good or bad, uptrend or downtrend. We don’t undermine or manipulate them just to look good,” he said.
“It is important to give priority to maintaining the accuracy and truthfulness of the data because they serve as a guide and basis for strategic actions in navigating the pandemic,” he said.
“This data directs us on what actions to take. We should not manipulate or tamper with them.” – jlo
