41 COVID-19 cases logged in Baguio; health officials say situation under control

Baguio City, Philippines – Years after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life across the globe, Baguio City has recorded 41 confirmed COVID-19 cases from January to July 2026, prompting local health authorities to reinforce preventive measures while assuring residents that the situation remains manageable and under control.

Despite the recent increase in cases, city health officials emphasized that the current situation is far different from the peak of the pandemic. No COVID-19-related deaths have been reported this year, and most confirmed cases have been mild, with many involving healthcare workers rather than widespread community transmission.

According to City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, through an advisory issued by the Baguio City Health Services Office (BCHSO), the recent rise in COVID-19 cases does not indicate a return to the large-scale outbreaks experienced during the height of the pandemic.

Brillantes also noted that COVID-19 is now one of several respiratory viruses continuously monitored by the city health office.

Respiratory virus cases in the city

Based on the latest data from the BCHSO, Baguio City has recorded 1,480 Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases so far this year. Of these, 312 patients required hospital admission, while no deaths have been reported, indicating that current respiratory infections remain largely manageable.

Laboratory surveillance conducted by the BCHSO showed that various respiratory viruses circulated during the first half of 2026. In January, health authorities detected Influenza A (H3), Influenza B (Victoria and an undetermined lineage), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV-A and RSV-B), and SARS-CoV-2.

By February, only Influenza A (H3) and Influenza B (Victoria) were detected, while March recorded Influenza B alongside SARS-CoV-2. April recorded only Influenza B (Victoria) before SARS-CoV-2 became the dominant circulating respiratory virus in May and June, with no influenza or RSV detected during those months.

"We are seeing an uptick in cases, and while the numbers remain manageable, the concentration among our hospital workforce requires immediate and sustained attention. Our priority is to protect our healthcare workers, our patients, and the continuity of health services in our city," Brillantes said.

Preventive measures reinforced

In response, the BCHSO, together with local hospitals, has reinforced health measures in line with Department of Health guidelines. These include mandatory mask-wearing in healthcare facilities, isolation of infected healthcare workers, and continued disease surveillance to prevent further transmission.

The health office also assured residents that it continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide regular updates should conditions change.

Meanwhile, healthcare workers experiencing respiratory symptoms have been advised to stay home, undergo testing, and observe the prescribed isolation protocols. Brillantes also reminded residents with moderate to severe respiratory symptoms to immediately seek medical consultation at their respective District Health Centers or primary healthcare providers.