Face masks, physical distancing no longer needed in public transport

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday announced the lifting of the physical distancing and the mandatory use of face masks in public transport after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revoked the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19.

With the DOTr’s announcement, all passenger vehicles across the country can continue to operate at full capacity, after being capped to accommodate the public safety protocols put in place in 2020.

“This new development is a significant step towards normalizing public transportation and supporting economic recovery,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

“While public safety remains a top priority, the removal of protocols aims to facilitate commuters’ convenience, contribute to the revival of the transportation industry, and help stimulate economic activity,” he added.

Bautista ensures, however, that frequent sanitization measures in public transportation will continue to be implemented to prevent any potential health risk.

Under Proclamation No. 297 issued on Friday-July 21, but made public on Saturday-July 22, the President said all prior orders, memoranda, and issuances effective only during the state of public health emergency were deemed withdrawn, revoked, or canceled.

To recall, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa last month said he would recommend the lifting of the country’s state of public health emergency, as he said COVID-19 no longer posed an emergency and could be treated as any other disease his agency monitors, such as influenza, cough, and cold. — DVM, GMA Integrated News