The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 11 (LTFRB 11) shared on its Facebook page, that it received numerous reports concerning the non-compliance of the public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers, who are persistently spreading conspiracy theories and myths and debunking the existence and threat of Covid-19 to passengers.
Some taxi drivers and operators were reported by commuters for not following the health protocols and that some drivers even told passengers to take off their face shields inside the taxi as Covid-19 is not true as not even one of the drivers and operators get sick with the virus.
Because of these reports, the LTFB 11 reminded PUV operators and drivers, as well as the riding public, to follow the Seven Commandments to Revitalize the Country Safely (strict health protocols for public transportation): wearing of proper face masks, wearing of face shields, no talking and no eating (inside PUV), adequate ventilation, frequent and proper disinfection, no symptomatic passengers, and appropriate physical distancing.
“As is ang public transportation on a limited capacity and also must comply strictly with the health protocols such as face mask, face shield and barrier for the motorcycles,” said Arman Dioso, regional director of LTFRB 11 in a text message.
The spread of inaccurate information the reason why more people are now ignoring the risks of Covid-19 virus, is among the challenges being faced by the city government of Davao.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio told Department of Health 11 (DOH11) to intensify its information dissemination related to the virus.
The mayor admitted that educating the people about Covid-19 and making them understand the protocols implemented by the city government of Davao is an uphill battle.
“Dili man mi doctor para tubagon ang ilang mga pangutana about Covid-19, dili man mi doctor nga maka-eksplika kung unsa ang epekto sa Covid-19. We refer it to the Departtment of Health na pakusgon ang ilahang pagpasabot sa mga tao kung unsa ni ang Covid-19 para dili lisod for us na naga-enforce sa tanan policies, regulations, guidelines sa government,” the mayor said.
