ILOILO – Pillions, popularly called motorcycle back riders or passengers, will not be allowed to pass through quarantine control points or checkpoints, according to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
Under the enhanced community quarantine currently being enforced, motorcycles are allowed to transport only one person – its driver.
At checkpoints, the pillions would be tasked to get down the motorcycle, said Police Colonel Paul Kenneth Lucas, IPPO director.
There is no social distancing between the motorcycle driver and the pillion, he explained.
Social distancing means increasing the physical space between people. It is being enforced under the enhanced community quarantine as a way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
According to Lucas, the World Health Organization advocates social distancing because the COVID-19 virus is transmitted via droplets released when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes.
FOOD PASS
As to the transport of goods, Lucas said couriers must present at the checkpoints a “food pass” from the Department of Agriculture (DA) director of the region where the couriers are based.
He, however, clarified the checking procedure won’t be less stringent so as not to hamper the smooth passage of goods, particularly perishable goods.
Still, said Lucas, even with a food pass, the police can still apprehend couriers with unauthorized passengers or people with fever./PN
