LRT1 bans talking inside trains to prevent COVID-19 spread

The Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), has announced it is prohibiting its passengers from talking inside the trains to prevent the further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Friday, LRMC Corporate Communications head Jacqueline Gorospe said they observed that some LRT1 passengers continue to remove their masks while inside the wagons, especially when they have to answer their phones.

"Knowing 'yung COVID-19, nata-transmit siya through droplets, another layer of protection is if walang nagsasalita, walang lalabas na droplets," Gorospe said.

"We remind our passengers na kailangan po i-postpone muna 'yung call. Or if they need to talk, kailangan nakasuot ang mask," she added.

PASSENGER REMINDER: TALKING IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE TRAIN
Respiratory droplets ang isa sa mga karaniwang sanhi ng pagkalat ng COVID-19. Huwag makipag-usap sa katabing pasahero sa loob ng #LRT1. Ugaliin ang pagsusuot ng face mask at paggamit ng alcohol o sanitizer.#RideSafeOnLRT1 pic.twitter.com/4ldunIzqdD

— Light Rail Manila Corporation (@officialLRT1) July 9, 2020

Gorospe said marshalls and LRT personnel will roam the trains to ensure the implementation of the protocol.

Meanwhile, Gorospe said eight of their personnel had tested positive for COVID-19 in the past months.

They had undergone quarantine as soon as they were tested positive, with two to three employees already in recovery and completing their 14-day quarantine period.

Gorospe said no more than 50% of their employees were being deployed at the depot and in their office during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) up to General Community Quarantine (GCQ). --Jamil Santos/KBK, GMA News