LTFRB: PUV drivers must wear face masks

MANILA, Philippines — To prevent the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from spreading in the country, especially in congested urban areas like Metro Manila, transport regulators have put in place contingent measures to disinfect and sanitize major railways and public transportation terminals.

The preventive steps were taken as health authorities announced the first confirmed 2019-nCoV case in the country, followed by the death of a second victim on Sunday, the first to occur outside China.

In the meantime, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-005 directing public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators to wear face masks at all times while on duty.

The memorandum also required all terminal operators to provide face masks as well as disinfectants for free.

Grab takes precaution

The biggest ride-hailing company in the country, Grab, has also ordered its drivers to always wear masks and to provide sanitizers in their vehicles as much as possible.

All train interiors and station premises for all three major transit lines in the metropolis — the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, and the Metro Rail Transit 3 — as well as the Philippine National Railways, are now required to be disinfected, as throngs of people crowd the railways every day.

In a statement, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade appealed for cooperation from commuters “as we implement preventive measures and stringent monitoring of passengers in our transportation hubs nationwide.”

In Quezon City, local officials have formed a task force to monitor and cater to 2019-nCoV patients should a case be reported in the city.

The task force is composed of the city departments of health, public affairs and information services, barangay and community relations, and solid waste management.

Quezon City Medical Center, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital and Novaliches District Hospital were also tapped by the task force.

The Manila City government, on the other hand, said it was in close coordination with health officials to contain the spread of the virus.—With reports from Mariejo S. Ramos and Meg Adonis