MRT-3 starts random COVID-19 antigen testing for passengers

Passengers show their vaccination cards upon entering the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 at Edsa-North Avenue Station. INQUIRER file photo / Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The MRT-3 started on Tuesday the random COVID-19 antigen testing of passengers amid the spike of infections in the metropolis.

MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael Capati said 48 passengers have so far undergone random voluntary antigen testing.

Of the 48, six passengers tested positive while 42 were negative.

The random testing is part of an order issued by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for rail systems to enforce strict health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

This is after Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 3 anew amid the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in the national capital region.

Capati, meanwhile, assured that MRT-3 services still continue at 70% capacity. He, however, pointed out a drop in ridership amid the COVID-19 surge in the metropolis.

From over 200,000 passengers a day, it is now down to around 140,000. This might be due to the increased number of COVID-19 patients in Metro Manila and some opting not to go out of their homes for non-essential trips.

JPV