The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has temporarily suspended the implementation of the tightened physical distancing in public transportation pending the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to be announced on Monday.
“Sa pulong po ng IATF na nagpapatuloy hanggang ngayon, sinabi po ni DOTR Sec. Tugade na pansamantalang isususpinde po ang implementasyon ng 0.75 physical distancing sa mga pampublikong transportasyon at ibabalik po ito sa 1 meter (In the IATF meeting which is still ongoing, DOTr Sec. Tugade said the implementation of 0.75 [meter] physical distancing in public transportation will be temporarily suspended and will be reverted to 1 meter),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Aῆo and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier contradicted the tightening of physical distancing due to the threat it may pose on the public’s health.
However, some experts have expressed support on the matter based on studies while giving emphasis on strict observance of protocols in public transportation such as proper wearing of face masks and face shields, no talking and no eating, adequate ventilation, frequent and proper disinfection, no symptomatic passengers, and appropriate physical distancing.
“The reason we are doing this is because we are trying to balance it with the needs of the economy opening up. And therefore, there’s your trade-off there. But really the trade-off doesn’t leave us defenseless,” former Health Secretary Dr. Manuel Dayrit explained. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
