A train arrives at the LRT-2’s Cubao Station. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday said that face masks will remain mandatory in all railway systems amid the rising number of COVID-19.
DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino, in a statement, said face masks inside LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3 trains will still be required as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.
Face masks will also be required inside Philippine National Railways trains but optional in open-air stations.
“Our medical professionals in the railways sector stressed that the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains present in our trains as they are enclosed spaces,” Aquino said.
“Security personnel deployed in all of our stations and trains will help ensure that the policy is strictly enforced,” she added.
She urged the public to remain vigilant against COVID-19, and to get vaccinated and boosted against the viral infection.
“As explained by medical professionals, these booster shots are designed to help maintain the level of protection against the virus, especially as new variants emerge,” Aquino said.