More than a year into the pandemic, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is calling on passengers to continue following the "Seven Commandments" for public transport to ensure their safety against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Transportation Undersecretary for Administrative Service Artemio U. Tuazon Jr. emphasized the need to observe the so-called commandments, as if a reference to the 10 holy commandments in the Bible in time for the upcoming Holy Week 2021, to curb the transmission of the virus in public utility vehicles (PUVs).

"Humihingi po kami ng tulong sa lahat ng mananakay at sa lahat ng mamamayan na tulungan kami na panatilihing ligtas ang ating public transport sa pagsunod sa ating tinatawag na 'Seven Commandments' (We urge commuters and the public to help us maintain our public transportation safe by following the 'Seven Commandments'), " Tuazon said.

Proposed last year by a group of health experts led by former Health chief Dr. Manuel Dayrit, the following "Seven Commandments" are being enforced by the transportation department amid the continuing threats of the pandemic:

1. Wear face masks and face shields

According to experts, face masks should cover the nose and the mouth. Those who wear face masks properly are six times less likely to be infected, while those wearing face shields reduced the risk of transmission three times.

2. No talking and making telephone calls

No talking to further reduce droplets expelled.

3. No eating

Respiratory droplets from the mouth and nose can spread the virus.

4. Keep PUVs well-ventilated

"Open the window if you could every now and then or the doors every time they reach stations so the air circulates and still air inside would be dissipated," experts explained.

5. Conduct frequent disinfection

Experts also proposed to use bleach when wiping surfaces.

6. No passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside public transportation

Aside from checking the temperatures of passengers, the public should also be persuaded to avoid riding public transport if they have symptoms of the disease.

7. Observe appropriate physical distancing

The DOTr is currently implementing a "one-seat apart" policy in all modes of public transportation.

According to Tuazon, these commandments must be implemented for the continuous operations of public transport that will help in the movement of essential workers, as well as in the gradual reopening of the economy.

"Sa pamamagitan nito ay mapapanatili natin na tumatakbo at nagagamit natin ang ating pampublikong transportasyon sa pang araw-araw na pamumuhay at pangkabuhayan (Following this will keep our public transportation open and running for our daily life and livelihood)," Tuazon explained.