IATF Raises Passenger Capacity of Shuttle Services

 The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has increased the passenger capacity of commissioned shuttle services for employees of permitted offices or establishments, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the shuttle services may also adopt a 'one-seat apart' arrangement or a full seating capacity, provided there are necessary dividers and other health and safety measures are in place.

The IATF directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to issue the appropriate supplemental advisories for the enforcement and monitoring of the health and safety protocols in private shuttles.

"Private establishments are enjoined to commission their own shuttle services for the benefit of their own employees," the IATF said in Resolution 85, signed on November 26.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier ordered the transport sector to ensure the strict enforcement of the following seven commandments inside public transport, as recommended by health experts:

1. Wear face masks and face shields;
2. No talking and making phone calls;
3. No eating;
4. Keep PUVs well-ventilated;
5. Conduct frequent disinfection;
6. No passengers with Covid-19 symptoms would be allowed inside public transportation; and
7. Observe appropriate physical distancing ("one-seat apart" rule).