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Face mask mandate to remain in LRT, MRT; optional in PNR

by Carl Santos

PUBLISHED ON April 24, 2023

Transportation authorities said they would strictly enforce the face mask mandate amid rising COVID-19 cases in the country.

The wearing of face masks will remain mandatory inside LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 stations but optional for PNR stations since they are all open air spaces, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino said in a statement on Sunday, April 23.

“Our medical professionals in the railways sector stressed that the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains present in our trains as they are enclosed spaces,” Aquino said.

“Security personnel deployed at all of our stations and trains will help ensure that the policy is strictly enforced,” she added.

Aquino encouraged passengers to wear face masks and get their second booster shot against COVID-19.

“As explained by medical professionals, these booster shots are designed to help maintain the level of protection against the virus, especially as new variants emerge,” she said.

The Philippines recorded 2,386 new COVID-19 cases from April 10 to 16, up 18.5% from the past week, according to the Department of Health.

A total of 1,944 cases were reported from April 3 to 9.

The average daily number of new cases stood at 341, up from 278 the previous week.