HEALTH measures are being reviewed as the Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga formally opens February 1.
Andrew Pinero, Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated (BFFI) head for media said contingency plans with regards to the emerging novel coronavirus or 2019–nCoV is underway for the month long celebration of the annual festival.
Pinero said the BFFI is meeting and crafting measures on how to deal with the health issue to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
The Department of Health Cordillera (DOH-CAR) assures the region still remains free of the 2019–nCoV but admitted the Regional Health Department is currently monitoring an three Chinese who arrived in the region January 19, 2020 but has no travel history to Wuhan.
"We are monitoring advisories from the Department of Health, however, no formal talks have been made," Pinero said adding the BFFI is encouraging the wearing of face masks when in crowded places as a safety precaution not only for 2019–nCoV but for all types of communicable diseases as well as to combat pollution.
Pinero said if the public will feel safer wearing the masks then the public is encouraged to do so.
"No intrusive measure as of yet will be imposed on visitors checking in hotel establishments in the city pending the meeting the BFFI as well as the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) with members and the health department with the local government unit," Pinero added.
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).
The 2019–nCov virus can be transmitted from human-to-human.
Pinero added monitoring of origin of tourists in establishments will be done by HRAB after guidelines are set by the association and health officials, careful not to discriminate visitors flocking the city but keeping in mind heath safety of all.
The DOH reminds the public to wash their hands with soap and water especially if in contact respiratory secretions, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, practice cough etiquette, avoid contact with sick persons especially those with respiratory condition, if not feeling well, restrict activities at home, except if getting medical care, wash and cook food thoroughly, and if handling animal meat, make sure to wash ones hands and clean utensils properly to avoid possibility of contaminating other food.
Pinero said the BFFI and the HRAB will abide by what is allowable by law and health protocols to be issued.
