Cebu orders mandatory use of personal air purifiers among PUV drivers

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has ordered the mandatory use of personal air purifiers among drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the province amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The order was contained in a memorandum dated August 13, 2021. It became effective on Monday, August 16, 2021.

"Effective August 16, 2021, all drivers and conductors of Public Utility Vehicles are required to wear personal purifiers at all times during their trip," the memorandum read.

It also ordered the Philippine National Police and Highway Patrol Group "to assist in the strict implementation" of the memorandum.

In reaction, Pagkakaisa nga mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide-Cebu (PISTON-Cebu) described the order as a "band-aid solution."

"The air purifier is a mere band-aid solution. What the people need now is to hasten the distribution of free and safe vaccines, and free swab testing," said PISTON-Cebu chairperson Greg Perez in a statement on Facebook.

Perez said his group is calling for strengthened mass testing and contact tracing efforts, as well as free treatment for COVID-19 patients.

They added that now that the air purifier memorandum of the governor has been passed, it should be made free and should be provided by the government "as this is just additional expense on the part of the ordinary drivers and conductors." —KBK, GMA News