As Grab resumes operations in Metro Manila under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), it was announced that passengers may not be allowed to board the transport vehicle service (TNVS) unit should they fail to follow the mandatory wearing of face mask and face shield inside public utility vehicles, the ride-hailing firm said on Tuesday.
In a statement, Grab Philippines said that its driver-partners, as well as passengers, are strictly required to wear face shields and face masks "throughout the trip" as mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
"Driver-partners can likewise cancel bookings should the passenger fail to wear the required face mask and face shield," it added.
Grab's reminder came a day after the government's announcement to place Metro Manila and nearby provinces back under general community quarantine (GCQ) beginning August 19, which allows all modes of public transport, including TNVS, to resume operations.
With this, Grab said that it will be resuming its GrabCar services starting Wednesday and will operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Its GrabBayanihan Car service for medical front liners will continue to operate 24/7 across Metro Manila.
To further curb the transmission of the virus inside PUVs and following the government's policy on cashless payment in public transport, Grab said that contactless transactions through its GrabPay, debit or credit cards, will still be required to book a ride.
Commuters who are still adapting to cashless payments are likewise urged to visit its website at https://www.grab.com/ph/pay/instapay/ for a quick and easy step-by-step guide on cashing-into their GrabPay wallets, Grab said.
Meanwhile, Grab assured that it continues to implement its GrabProtect program to raise its safety and hygiene bar to ensure that the communities remain safe.
"Through our partnership with the National Taskforce Against COVID and the BCDA, Grab continues to provide free COVID tests for our driver and delivery partners," it added.
Apart from its GrabCar service, the firm's GrabFood and GrabMart will remain operational from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight, depending on merchant-partner availability, while GrabExpress will remain operational 24/7.