Department of Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, with Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan, and Metro Manila Center for Health Development OIC – Director Corazon Flores, and Pasay City Mayor Imelda G. Calixto-Rubiano visited the LRT-1 EDSA and MRT-3 Taft station to check if the MPHS is observed by commuters in high density stations of the railway lines.

 

Light Rail Manila Corporation President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso led the visit for LRT-1 EDSA station and explained their strategy on how to manage commuters and to mitigate the spread of the virus.

 

“We only allow an average of about 375 passengers per train, which is 30% of the overall capacity per train set. We also have roving marshals who remind our passengers of the health protocols such as proper use of face mask and shield, barriers to ensure safe distancing, no talking and eating policy, and other minimum public health standards mandated by the DOH.” Mr. Alfonso explained.

 

The Health Chief acknowledged the importance of the transportation sector, stating “Not everyone can afford to purchase their own car or ride a cab, all the more important for our public transport sector to fortify its implementation of the minimum public health standard on safe travels during the pandemic.”

 

The Health Secretary also reminded the public to adhere to the minimum public health standards as more and more Filipinos begin using public transport. “In anticipation of a surge of cases, we appeal to our kababayans to exercise extreme caution when commuting. We don’t want to spread the virus to our workplaces, or bring it home. Everyone should follow the 7 Commandments for Passengers set by the DOTr to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones, ” he reminded.