Motorcycle back-riding for couples to be allowed starting July 10
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año has announced that motorcycle back-riding for couples will be allowed, beginning Friday, July 10, in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Community Quarantine Update: List of places under ECQ, GCQ and MGCQ until July 15
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (File photo/video) | Source: GMA News
In a radio interview, Secretary Año explained the conditions under which motorcycle back-riding will be permitted.
"Yes, simula bukas ay papayagan na natin yung back-riding para sa mga couple. At the same time, kailangan mag-wear pa rin ng mask at saka ng crash helmet 'yung ating passenger at rider.”
Año also clarified that only married couples and couples living in the same household - regardless if they're married or not-- will be allowed to back-ride.
Moreover, Año said couples would be required to show their IDs to prove their relationship.
They should either have the same surname (for married couples) or have the same address in their IDs (for unmarried couples living together).
The approval on motorcycle back-riding comes after the National Task Force for COVID-19 (NTF) has approved the motorcycle barrier prototype proposed by Bohol Governor Arthur Yap.
The approved prototype has a protective barrier placed between the rider and passenger. It is made from a clear cast acrylic sheet and has handles on the side.
Source: DILG
Although they have already approved the said prototype, Año still encourages others to submit their design proposals so that the Technical Working Group (TWG) can examine them.
It can be recalled that Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr. also submitted a similar fabricated divider prototype last month.
It was a move to convince the government to allow back-riding, so people can have more options when traveling or commuting during the quarantine period.
Back-riding was prohibited when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) began due to health concerns about the lack of physical distancing.
Placing a protective barrier between the driver and passenger is deemed as a practical solution to physical distancing problems for motorcycle riders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108415
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
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