DOH studying proposal aimed at ensuring physical distancing in motorcycle taxis —Palace

The Department of Health (DOH) is studying whether a “special suit” proposed by a ride-hailing firm will ensure physical distancing in motorcycle taxi services, Malacañang said Thursday.

At present, back-riding on motorcycles is prohibited to mitigate risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“Nagkakaroon po talaga ng pormal na pag-aaral ang Department of Health pagdating po sa Angkas kasi may recommendation o mayroong vinolunteer ang Angkas na mayroong special na suit na isusuot ang mga driver ng Angkas,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

“Pinag-aaralan po talaga nila if that suit will be sufficient po to more or less provide distancing of sorts.”

Last month, Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. asked the government to allow motorcycle riders to have one back-riding passenger in areas under general community quarantine.

Garbin suggested that the motorcycle driver and the passenger be strictly required to wear helmets and face shields as well as face masks.

Passengers should also be required to wear jackets and pants as minimum protective clothing, he added.

Garbin said protective pads for the arms and legs are also advisable, but not mandatory.—AOL, GMA News