Baguio courts encourage mask-wearing amid rise in COVID-19 cases

BAGUIO CITY — The Regional Trial Court (RTC) and the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) in Baguio City are encouraging judges, court personnel, litigants, and visitors to wear face masks inside court premises following reports of rising COVID-19 cases.

In a joint memorandum, the RTC and MTCC said the advisory covers all individuals entering the Hall of Justice (Main) and the Hall of Justice (CA Annex).

The precautionary measure was adopted following reports of an increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and after a court employee in Baguio City tested positive for the virus.

The memorandum said the voluntary masking policy aims to reduce the risk of virus transmission inside courtrooms and offices, where people often gather in enclosed spaces.

According to the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Quezon City increased from 23 recorded between 21 May and 10 June to 84 cases from 11 June to 1 July 2026.

Health authorities said about 86 percent of the new cases were managed on an outpatient basis with mild symptoms such as cough, colds, and fever, while the remaining 14 percent required hospitalization.

Copies of the memorandum were distributed to all RTC and MTCC courts and offices in Baguio City, as well as the Office of the Regional Court Manager.