DOTr: Revert to strict minimum public health protocols

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) through the Philippine Coast Guard has strongly reminded the marine transport sector to maintain 70% passenger capacity in vessels amid another impending rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In a memorandum issued Jan. 2, DoTr called for strict implementation of minimum health protocols amid the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Prompted by the call, Philippine Coast Guard Western Bohol Commanding Officer Edsel Gonzaga issued a memorandum mobilizing the Coast Guard to monitor and implement minimum public health protocols and the passenger capacity of 70% cap in all marine vessels.

In Bohol, social media posts show massive queues for tickets both in the ports of Tagbilaran and Tubigon, as Boholanos return to work after the holiday break.

The long lines were exacerbated by a red rainfall warning and gale warnings the day after the New Year, as fewer boats were allowed to travel.

Five days before Christmas until the New Year, reports of long queues in gas stations, water refilling stations, automated teller machines banks, groceries, and even in bakeries were also among the social media trending topics.

This as health authorities opted to revert Metro Manila to Alert Level 3 to arrest the noted rise in cases.

Before this happened, health authorities have tasked the Philippine National Police and DOTr to lead in the implementation of strict health protocols.

As of Jan. 8-15, COVID 19 Alert Level 3 is also hoisted over Dagupan City, City of Santiago in Isabela, Cagayan, Olongapo City, Angeles City, Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales, Naga City, Iloilo City, Lapulapu City in Cebu, Batangas, Lucena City and Baguio.

The PCG commander's action is also in line with Bohol's proximity to Lapulapu City in Cebu.

Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade has also ordered public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles are safe and are properly disinfected while urging commuters to be vigilant against those who will be breaking health protocols.

As part of the implementation of health protocols, enforcers from the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and trained marshals of all railway lines have been directed to ensure that proper physical distancing is observed on public transport and terminals.

Enforcers and marshals have also been ordered to make sure that commuters entering terminals and boarding public transport are using face masks.

Transport marshals have also been ordered to remind commuters not to talk or eat while inside the trains.

Meanwhile, Tugade asked aviation sector officials to revisit, in coordination with other concerned agencies, the existing cap on daily passenger arrivals in main gateways as well as inside airplanes.

Under Alert Level 3, intrazonal and interzonal movement are still allowed, however, reasonable restrictions may be imposed by local government units, according to the Level 3 travel protocols. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)