With the number of COVID-19 cases in the country, the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) has intensified its operation in implementing strict safety protocols applicable for all modes of public transportation. The safety protocol is continuously being imposed on all passengers, drivers, operators, and conductors.
An effort to eliminate the COVID-19 cases in the country
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I-ACT said that the ongoing strict safety protocols are enforced to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Here are the seven protocols included in I-ACT’s intensified operations for public transportation:
- Always wear a face mask and face shield.
- Speaking or engaging in a conversation is not allowed. This includes answering a phone call.
- Eating is not allowed.
- Proper ventilation is required.
- Frequent disinfection must be practiced.
- Loading symptomatic passengers is not allowed.
- Physical distancing must be observed at all times.
“We are taking COVID-19 very seriously. The task force will show no leniency to PUV drivers who fail to implement health protocols aboard their unit at the expense of their passengers’ lives,” said I-ACT Task Force Chief and DOTr Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns B/Gen. Manuel Gonzales (Ret.).
Despite the strict safety protocols, the I-ACT task force still notices many violations being committed by PUV drivers and conductors. From January to February 2021 alone, the I-ACT task force has apprehended 517 PUV drivers for breach of health provisions. This is why I-ACT is now further intensifying its implementation of the said safety protocols.
A stricter approach shall be expected from the I-ACT task force
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) remains committed to curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the country’s public transportation. However, the agency shared that it cannot do it alone. As such, the DOTr asked all passengers, drivers, and operators to follow strict safety protocols to have a collective effort in doing so.
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