Here’s how Baguio City was able to ‘flatten the curve’

In an interview with DZMM last Tuesday, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared how they were able to “flatten the curve” in the city.

In the interview, the mayor shared that they already canceled the big events in Baguio like the Panagbenga Festival which was supposed to happen last February. The LGU also tightened the security in Baguio’s borders.

(ALSO READ: No New COVID-19 Cases in Baguio For A Week)

One thing that also greatly helped the city to flatten the curve was their way of contact tracing. Magalong said that Baguio uses a private system and technology to improve its contact tracing system. He shared several linked diagrams of each positive case the Baguio City LGU used.

Magalong said that he developed this system when he was in the CIDG and it is similar to what they use when they investigate criminal cases. Ultimately, the city’s contact tracing database is also stored in a cloud system, which makes it easier for them to access the data.

(ALSO READ: Baguio vegetables as donation arrive in Manila)

Credit: Johnny Warrior

He also adds that contact tracing is an investigative skill and mindset. The right questions should also be asked to patients for effective contact tracing. Social distancing is also strictly implemented in the city, but Magalong said that it was only possible with the cooperation and discipline of Baguio’s residents.

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