DOT issues health rules for tourist transport services
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday issued health and safety guidelines for tourist land transport services “to ensure the well-being and security of our visitors,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in an online news forum.
Aside from the “no mask, no boarding policy,” the possibility of cashless transactions, and the strict maintenance of at least a meter distance between passengers who should be separated by a waterproof transparent barrier, buses and coasters are allowed only half of its total capacity. No standing passengers are allowed.
All tourist vehicles must have a thermometer gun, basic first aid kits, and sanitation kits with tissue paper or disposable wet wipes, and 70 percent solution alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer for the free use of passengers.
Vehicles should be properly disinfected before and after every use, especially frequently touched surfaces such as seats, armrests, door handles, light, and air controls.
They should also be well ventilated, with air conditioning on nonrecirculated mode to maximize air changes and reduce potentially infectious particles in the vehicle.
Waterproof barrier
Only two passengers per row are allowed in a van, except for the driver’s row, where only one passenger may occupy the passenger’s seat. A waterproof barrier should separate driver and passenger.
Article continues after this advertisementTransport operators and owners must monitor their employees’ body temperature every time they report to work. They must also install in the working area a safety bulletin board that contains safety and health information.
Article continues after this advertisementDrivers must also observe personal hygiene and proper grooming. They must be in uniform and should wear personal protective equipment (PPE), complete with face masks and gloves, as provided by their transport operator.
To maintain hygiene inside the vehicle, a separate trash bag for all gloves, face masks, PPE, wet wipes and other sanitation disposables used by passengers should be available.
Violators face appropriate fines and penalties, including revocation of their DOT accreditation, Puyat warned.
