Gov’t allows ‘limited’ work in 13 rail projects amid quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — The government will allow the resumption of “limited” work in 13 rail projects amid the imposition of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Tuesday.

Nograles said the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the request of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to allow the “resumption of utility relocation works and resume specified limited works” across 13 rail projects, including rail replacement, and other works needed for MRT-3, which can only be done when the rail system is not undergoing passenger operations.

However, the IATF reminded DOTr to observe limited mobilization of personnel and skeletal staffing pattern; provide on- or near-site accommodations and/or point-to-point shuttle services; regularly disinfect workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations; monitor personnel’s health, especially for COVID-19 symptoms; observe strict social distancing measures and proper hand hygiene and enforce all other precautionary measures against COVID-19.

In a statement, the DOTr said the 13 rail projects are the following:
-LRT-1 Cavite Extension -LRT-2 East Extension
-LRT-2 West Extension
-LRT-2 Fire Restoration
-MRT-3 Rehabilitation
-MRT-7
-Metro Manila Subway
-Common Station
-PNR Clark 1
– PNR Clark 2 and Calamba
-Subic-Clark Railway
-PNR Bicol
-Mindanao Railway

President Duterte has placed the entire Luzon under a month-long enhanced community quarantine to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. It has been extended until April 30.

The strict measure also effectively suspended work for the majority of the region’s people as it likewise halted the operations of public transport. Luzon region is home to about half of the country’s population.

To date, the Philippines has reported 3,660 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease, 163 of whom have died while 73 recovered.

EDV