ILOILO – Public utility vehicles (PUVs) are allowed to resume their operation under a general community quarantine (GCQ).
But there are social distancing rules they must follow, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The province started observing GCQ on May 16.
In Executive Order (EO) No. 118, Defensor listed the social distancing requirements that all public utility vehicles and passengers must observe. These were the following:
* pedicabs – only one passenger allowed
* motorcycles – one back rider allowed; driver and back rider must wear crash helmets, face masks and gloves; only members of the same family and household are allowed to ride a motorcycle together
* tricycles – three passengers allowed (one in the front seat, one at the back seat, and one back rider); between the front seat and back seat, and the driver and the back rider, there must be a divider made of non-porous and transparent material
* jeepneys – volume of passengers allowed is one-half of their normal seating capacity; between passengers there must be a divider made of non-porous and transparent material
* buses – in a row for three passengers, only two shall be allowed; in a row of two passengers, only one shall be allowed; between passengers there shall be a divider made of non-porous and transparent material
* transport vans – volume of passengers allowed is one-half of their normal seating capacity; passengers shall be one seat apart; between passengers there shall be a divider made of non-porous and transparent material
* motorized bangkas or pump boats – volume of passengers allowed is one-half of their normal seating capacity
* taxis – volume of passengers allowed is one-half of their normal seating capacity
For private vehicles, Defensor said their volume of passengers must be one-half (1/2) of their normal seating capacity.
MOVEMENT STILL RESTRICTED
But while public transport has been allowed to resume their operation, not all people are allowed to leave their houses.
Who can get out of their houses while Iloilo province is under a GCQ?
According to Defensor, only these are the people who:
* intend to access basic necessities
* work in establishments/businesses , industries and livelihood sectors allowed to operate (necessity providers)
On the other hand, the following are still prohibited from leaving their houses:
* persons below 21 years old
* persons 60 years old and older
* persons with immunodeficiency, comorbidities and/or other health risks
* pregnant women
Defesor said these people may only leave their houses under the following circumstances:
* when they become indispensable for obtaining basic necessities (that is, when no other person in the household can be designated for such purpose)
* if they work and/or have businesses allowed to operate
According to Defensor, limiting the movement of people will also limit the transmission of COVID-19.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales./PN
