DOTr implements measures to address 2019-nCov

MANILA: In order to combat the rising cases of 2019-nCoV (novel coronavirus) infection domestically, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) held a meeting late last week with transport agencies to draw up a systematic approach and protocols to properly address pandemic diseases.

The meeting was led by DOTr Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Manny Gonzales and Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Undersecretary Raul del Rosario.
Part of the preventive measures of the agency includes directing the MRT-3 maintenance provider Sumitomo-MHI-TESP to clean the trains inside (chairs, doors, posts, and handles) and outside using a disinfectant.

Commuters were also to be regularly reminded that wearing face masks aren’t enough and that washing of the hands with soap (available inside MRT toilets) or using isopropyl alcohol and/or hand sanitizers (available at MRT ticket windows) are the best ways to prevent the virus from spreading.

Land Transportation Offices (LTO) around the country have also been supplied with hand sanitizers and isopropyl alcohol for use by government employees and anyone with transactions with the agency, and health advisories, updates and emergency guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH) are also posted on bulletin boards of the LTO in order to inform citizens about what to do to combat the 2019-nCoV.

Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered drivers, conductors of public utility vehicles, and even terminal operators, to wear face masks while on duty via its Memorandum Circular 5 addressed to all franchise holders.

Terminals were also mandated to provide face masks, hand sanitizers, and disinfectants for free for passengers.

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