Overcrowding in public utility vehicles worries DOH

(File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday expressed concern about the overcrowding in public utility vehicles (PUVs) in areas under Alert Level 1 as the country shifts to a new normal approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mukhang bumalik po tayo dun sa pre-pandemic kung saan beyond 100 percent capacity po ang nakikita natin sa mga sasakyan na pampubliko,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said said in an interview on ABS-CBN News’ Teleradyo.

(It seems like we are back to the pre-pandemic practice wherein public utility vehicles are packed and operate beyond the 100 percent capacity.)

“Gusto lang naming magpaalala lalong lalo na sa mga operators, pati na rin po doon sa ating mga local governments at ating mga ahensya ng gobyerno na sana po let’s maintain ‘yung 100 percent capacity,” she added.

(We just want to remind the operators, as well as local government units and government agencies, to help maintain the 100 percent operating capacity.)

Vergeire warned that exceeding the 100 percent capacity in PUVs may trigger another spike in COVID-19 cases.

Metro Manila and 38 other areas in the country are currently under Alert Level 1 until March 15. Jericho Zafra, INQUIRER.net trainee

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