MANILA, Philippines — The national government should reimplement contact tracing in the country to curb the spread of COVID, according to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Magalong said the measure is being implemented again in his city to trace and treat those found positive for the virus.
“They have to. Tinuro na namin sa kanila, ginawa na namin sa Baguio, that’s why we were able to identify those affected. We are very transparent,” he said in an interview.
Magalong served as the contact tracing czar during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The mayor stressed the need to strictly implement minimum health protocols amid the increase in cases and possible spread of the Arcturus sub-variant of COVID.
“Cases are increasing. Look at what’s happening in India. Malaki ang suspicions ko na talagang widespread na ang Arcturus virus,” Magalong said.
Data from the Department of Health showed that there are currently 16,053 active COVID cases in the country.
The cases started to reach the 12,000-mark per week nationwide this month.
The OCTA Research Group said the nationwide COVID positivity rate hit 24.3 percent over the weekend.
As of May 19, the areas with the highest number of COVID cases are Metro Manila followed by Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan and Batangas.
Last week, Magalong reimposed mandatory masking indoors and in crowded areas in Baguio as COVID-19 cases spiked.
The face mask mandate applies to residents and those who visit the city.