Baguio: The city's rising Covid-19 cases remain manageable, with most infections classified as mild, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said. The city recorded 41 Covid-19 cases since the start of the year, including 37 cases in the last week of June. About 78 percent of the cases were mild and mostly involved health care workers.
According to Philippines News Agency, these infections are primarily occupational hazards, as noted by Mayor Magalong during an interview at the turnover of the bamboo park at Burnham Park. The mayor emphasized that communication with hospitals and health centers has been established to enhance surveillance, case investigation, and contact tracing. Safety and health protocols are being applied to prevent further transmission.
Mayor Magalong also urged residents and tourists to exercise caution, particularly during crowded events. He advised wearing face masks, avoiding handshakes, and taking vitamin C to boost the immune system. He reassured visitors that the city's health system is equipped to handle the uptick in cases, stating, "I would like to assure our tourists, don't worry about what is happening with the increasing number of Covid cases. We can manage it."
Meanwhile, the City Health Services Office (CHSO) has warned residents about the ongoing spread of influenza-like illnesses during the rainy and colder months. The CHSO's influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance program recorded 1,480 cases from January to July 9, with most patients requiring hospitalization being children aged 1 to 14. Respiratory illnesses have been occurring in overlapping waves, involving influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
Data from January showed a mix of influenza A, influenza B, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus cases, due to colder temperatures and increased crowd activity. From February to April, influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected, with SARS-CoV-2 cases dominating in May and June. The CHSO highlighted that flu season is a rotating cast of viruses, with specific threats changing monthly.
In a recent press conference, the Department of Health-Cordillera disease surveillance unit reported 3,771 ILI cases in the Cordillera Administrative Region from January to July 6, marking a 36 percent decrease from the same period last year. The region recorded 71 Covid-19 cases from January to July 11, which is 44.8 percent lower compared to the same period in 2025.
