Unvaccinated persons, minors, seniors temporarily prohibited from using public transportation —DOTr

Unvaccinated individuals, minors, and senior citizens will temporarily be barred from using public transportation in Metro Manila under Alert Level 3, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Tuesday.

According to the DOTr, the prohibition is in line with the resolution issued by the Metro Manila Council as approved by local mayors.

This will cover land, sea, and air public transport, except for the procurement of essential goods and services — provided that the unvaccinated persons, minors and senior provide proof to support and justify the travel.

Minors, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities will also be prohibited from public transport, even if they have already received their vaccine shots, the DOTr said.

“The DOTr and its attached agencies shall closely coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on the enforcement of the said policy,” it said.

Public transport is currently capped at 70%, as the National Capital Region is placed under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 15, 2022, following the steep increase in new COVID-19 infections in the country.

Cavite, Bulacan and Rizal were also placed under Alert Level 3, from January 5 to 15.

The DOTr has since warned operators to ensure that the maximum capacity is being followed. Violators could face fines and have their units impounded.

Penalties for violating PUV franchise conditions could range from hefty fines to the impounding of the involved PUV, while drivers could also face additional criminal complaints.

The Philippines on Monday recorded 4,084 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s active tally to 24,992. The total caseload not stands at 2.855 million, including 2.779 recoveries and 51,856 deaths. —KBK, GMA News