Baguio retains plastic barriers in PUVs

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The city government has opted to retain the plastic barriers in public utility vehicles (PUV) plying the city's routes as prevention against getting infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) when passenger capacity is raised to 70 percent.
    Public Information Office (PIO) - Baguio chief Aileen Refuerzo said Wednesday the city would soon issue an executive order on this.
    "The city will allow the PUVs to have a 70 percent carriage capacity but should retain the physical barriers to ensure distancing and minimize the risk of Covid-19 transmission among the commuting public," she said.
    The Land Transportation Office has allowed the removal of plastic barriers inside public vehicles, but Refuerzo said the city prefers to retain them as a precaution and for the safety of passengers.
    The PUV drivers are also mandated to regularly disinfect the barriers using disinfectants they could get for free from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
    Residents who wish to have the disinfectants for personal use can also get them for a minimal fee.
    Refuerzo also relayed the city officials' continued appeal for the public’s strict adherence to the minimum public health standards and having themselves fully vaccinated. -- PNA