Pasig City OKs tricycle operations amid suspension of public transport

MANILA, Philippines — Tricycles will be allowed service passengers within Pasig City despite the suspension of public transportation in Luzon under the enhanced community quarantine to arrest the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Tuesday said he would allow tricycles to operate within the city but added that they could only service passengers who are exempted from quarantine.

“We’re using our vehicles but it’s NOT enough. Our risk assessment shows that we cant ban tricycles at this point,” Sotto said over Twitter.

We're using our vehicles but it's NOT enough. Our risk assessment shows that we cant ban tricycles at this point.

Health workers need to get to work. Some emergencies can only be reached by tryk.

For now, I am allowing tricycles to operate w/in Pasig. TORO will issue guidelines

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) March 17, 2020

“Health workers need to get to work. Some emergencies can only be reached by (tricycle). For now, I am allowing tricycles to operate (within) Pasig,” he added.

Sotto said the Tricycle Operation and Regulatory Office (TORO) would soon release guidelines such as the limited number of passengers.

Clarification:
– Subject to TORO guidelines such as limited # of passengers (social distancing)
– Puwede lang magsakay ng pasaherong EXEMPTED sa quarantine.

Let's all cooperate for a successful #CommunityQuarantine and unite to #BeatCovid19.

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) March 17, 2020

Those exempted from quarantine are frontline health workers, and those who provide basic needs and services.

In light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire island of Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine” on Monday night.

The Department of Health (DOH) has so far recorded 142 COVID-19 cases in the country. Of the number, 12 have died while three patients have recovered from the disease.

COVID-19, now considered by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic, has infected more than 160,000 people – killed over 6,000 – in over 140 different countries and territories, including China where the virus originated.

EDV