NCR back to Alert Level 3 restrictions, transport sector to implement basic health protocols

Following the recent rise of COVID-19 cases, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) announced that Metro Manila is now again under Alert Level 3.

Based on Resolution 155 issued last December 31, 2021, the National Capital Region (NCR) will be under the aforementioned alert level from January 3-15. This was signed by IATF Chair Francisco Duque and Co-Chair Karlo Alexei Nograles.

The resolution stated that under Alert Level 3, intrazonal and interzonal movement are still allowed, however, reasonable restrictions may be imposed by local government units.

With the latest pronouncement, the leadership of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) immediately ordered for the strict implementation of health protocols in all transport sectors.

“The safety of commuters is paramount. We must make sure that health protocols are strictly implemented in all public transport vehicles and in all transport facilities,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade was quoted as saying.

“I am ordering all transport sectors to strictly enforce the health and safety protocols in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he added.

The transportation secretary ordered enforcers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and train marshals of all railway lines to ensure that proper physical distancing is being observed while at public transport vehicles and inside transport terminals. 

These enforcers also are directed to tell the commuters to properly use their face masks and to remind them not to talk or eat while inside trains.

Further, Tugade also instructed public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles are safe and are properly disinfected.

As enforcers and transport marshals cannot be watching all the time, Tugade urged the public to be cautious against those who will be breaking health protocols.

Last November 15, the LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular No. 2021-065 that allowed members of the vulnerable population (minors, pregnant women, those over 65 years old, with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks), to use public utility vehicles under Alert levels 1 and 2 while still observing health protocols.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Facebook page, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Araneta Center

Also read:

LTFRB allows PUVs to increase passenger capacity to 70% starting today

LTFRB issues show-cause orders to EDSA Busway consortiums

Valenzuela City Mayor hits Metrolink Bus Corp. with six-figure fine