MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is set to review the concerns arising from the easing of physical distancing rules in public transport.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the new policy will be one of the agendas on the scheduled task force meeting today after some medical experts warned of a rise in coronavirus infections.
“Hindi naman tayo magbingi-bingihan sa mga opinyon ng ating mga medical frontliners so bubuksan po uli ang usapin tungkol dito,” Roque said in a virtual press conference on Monday. “Pakikinggan po natin sila bukas.”
“‘Yung pagbabawas ng space o espasyo between passengers ay inaprubahan po ‘yan ng IATF dahil hindi natin mabubuksan ang ekonomiya kung hindi po natin dadadagdagan ang ating transportasyon,” he added.
From the one-meter distance recommended by the World Health Organization, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reduced the distance between commuters to 0.75 meter beginning Monday.
Social distancing in public transportation will be further reduced to 0.5 meter by Sept. 28, before reducing it further to 0.3 by Oct. 12.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health in a separate statement encouraged the public to opt for PUVs that can afford at least one-meter distancing, advising everyone to be “extra vigilant in situations where distancing cannot be practiced.”
“Given the recent decision of the DOTr to ‘optimize physical distancing in transportation’ and in the interest of public health, we enjoin all Filipinos to be extra vigilant in situations where distancing cannot be practiced, and if possible, choose to participate in activities or use transport options that can afford at least one meter distancing,” the DOH said./PN
