MRT3 implements stricter safety, health protocols after 172 personnel test positive for COVID-19

The management of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) implemented stricter safety and health protocols after 172 MRT3 personnel tested positive for COVID-19. 

All MRT3 personnel in the stations, trains, depot and even the bus augmentation service are now required to be in full personal protective equipment (PPE)—face mask, face shield, gown and gloves, according to a report by James Agustin on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday.

Employees also need to submit a health declaration twice daily.

Disinfection is also being conducted at the depot and in all stations and trains.

Of the 172 MRT3 personnel who tested positive for COVID-19, a total of 166 work in the depot, four are ticket sellers, one is a nurse, while one is a train driver.

The Department of Transportation said all MRT3 employees are being subjected to RT-PCR swab testing to check for COVID-19.

The number of trains running was also reduced starting Monday. From the usual 16 to 19 trains, only 11 trains will be deployed.

As of 6 a.m. on Monday, 11 trains were running with 10 minutes time interval per train's arrival.

Even before 5 a.m., commuters lined up early at the MRT3 North Avenue station.

The volume of commuters coming in the station are being controlled, contributing to the long lines.

The line of passengers outside the North Avenue Station almost reached the corner of West Avenue at around 7 a.m.

Passengers were reminded to observe physical distancing.

The bus augmentation units were also increased on Monday. Fifteen buses were deployed on Monday morning.

There is also a line to get on board the bus augmentation units as strict safety and health protocols are being implemented.

Some commuters said they will still take the MRT3 despite the threat of COVID-19.

"Wala nang ibang masakyan," a commuter said.

"Iwas-iwas na lang, 'wag magkadikit... Kung magkasakit, wala nang magagawa," another MRT passenger said.

Outside the MRT3 Quezon Avenue Station on Monday morning, the line of passengers has reached near Mother Ignacia Avenue, according to a report by Darlene Cay on Unang Balita.

The queue of passengers waiting to board buses, meanwhile, has almost reached Quezon Avenue.

Some passengers said they were at the station even before 5 a.m. but still could not get on board the train at around 7 a.m.

Others talked to co-passengers and agreed to take the taxi together and split the fare.

Still others stuck it out at MRT3, patiently waiting to get on the train.

The MRT3 was closed over the weekend to make way for the replacement of rails.

It will also be closed on August 8 and 9, August 21 and 23, and September 12 and 13. —KG, GMA News