Essential workers in MECQ areas allowed to back-ride on motorcycles

MANILA: The Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield has permitted motorcycle back-riding in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) but only for essential workers and APOR (authorized persons outside of residence).

“Since public transportation is not allowed in Metro Manila and the four provinces under MECQ from August 4 to August 18, motorcycle back-riding will be an essential mode of transportation to ensure that no front-liners and other essential workers would be stranded as they go out to report to work and on their way back home,” said JTF COVID Shield commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

Based on the guidelines drawn up by the PNP (Philippine National Police), the motorcycle must be privately owned and not hired for the trip and the driver must have the approved barrier.

People caught back riding on their way to buy groceries and/or essential good outside of their communities and those who are not APOR will be apprehended and fined for violating quarantine protocols.

At checkpoints, both the motorcycle driver and passenger must present IDs and documents providing they are essential workers and/or APOR, and that their travel is work related.

Back riding for couples and live-in partners, even with safety barriers, is prohibited in MECQ areas.

“We hope that this will help our medical workers and other front-liners a lot the entire MECQ period, and we also ask motorcycle riders to follow the guidelines to ensure their smooth and safe travel,” added Eleazar.

Photo from the DOTr Facebook page

Also read: NCR, select provinces back to MECQ on Aug. 4