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The Department of Transportation is no longer requiring commuters to wear face masks or maintain physical distancing when riding public utility vehicles
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The directive is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 297 lifting the state of public health emergency in the Philippines
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has lifted the face mask requirement in all public transport systems across the country.
Department Order 2023-017, dated July 22, removes all COVID-19 protocols in public transportation. It is in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 297 on July 21, lifting the COVID-19 state of public health emergency throughout the country.
“All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effective only during the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked or canceled and shall no longer be in effect,” according to the proclamation.
Last May, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the decreasing trend in COVID-19 deaths, the decline in COVID-19-related hospitalizations and intensive care unit admission, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
The proclamation order enjoined all agencies to ensure their policies, rules and regulations take into consideration the lifting of the state of public health emergency and to amend existing or promulgate new issuances as may be appropriate.
The Department of Health also earlier said the President’s proclamation revokes the mask requirement in public transport.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said physical distancing rule in public transportation is also lifted, and all passenger vehicles can continue to operate at full capacity.
“This new development is a significant step towards normalizing public transportation and supporting economic recovery,” Bautista said in a statement.
“While public safety remains a top priority, the removal of protocols aims to facilitate commuters’ convenience, contribute to the revival of the transportation industry, and help stimulate economic activity,” he added.
The transportation chief ensured that frequent sanitization in public transportation will continue to prevent any potential health risks.
