Couples come up with improvised motorcycle COVID-19 shields

In an effort to follow guidelines issued by the government on sharing motorcycle rides, married couples and live-in-partners have come up with improvised shields against the coronavirus disease 2019.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on "24 Oras," the designs are vastly different from the government-issued prototype with several couples merely tying wooden frames on the motorcyclists' back to serve as a barrier between him and his passenger.

Meanwhile, some had attached a carton to a school bag trolley while others used acrylic plastic that had no bracket and must be held by the passenger.

The barriers mostly used by those stopped by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group were made from a PVC pipe and plastic cover.

Another couple had attached their marriage certificate, which is one of the necessary documents, to the barrier. Authorities, however, said this was not allowed.

"Hindi ito pwede, no? Mas maganda rin sana ito authenticated, ito, kasi meron talaga 'yung certified true copy 'yung marriage certificate," an officer said.

Meanwhile, the validity of live-in-partners are verified by checking if they have the same address. If not, the couple is asked for further proof.

"Bukas, ipapatupad na natin itong guidelines na kailangan meron silang protective barriers between doon sa mag-asawa at live-in-partners," Police Brigadier General Eliseo Cruz, the HPG director, said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News