‘No vax, no ride’policy enforced in NCR

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Arthur Tugade on Tuesday ordered the wide enforcement of a “no vaccination, no ride/no entry” policy in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Tugade said that the scheme will be in effect until the Covid-19 Alert Level 3 is lowered.

“All concerned attached agencies and sectoral offices of DoTr are directed to ensure that operators of public transportation shall allow access or issue tickets only to fully vaccinated persons as evidenced by physical or digital copies of an LGU (local government unit)-issued vaccine card, or any IATF-prescribed document, with a valid government-issued ID with picture and address,” the department said.

A person is considered fully vaccinated against Covid-19 two weeks after receiving his second dose in a two-dose vaccination series, or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine. The Metro Manila Council, the policymaking body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, also passed a resolution urging the various local government units in Metro Manila to pass their respective ordinances on the enhanced restrictions on the movement of unvaccinated persons.

Tugade said the order takes effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Exempted from the “no vaccination, no ride” policy are persons with medical conditions that prevent their full Covid-19 vaccination as shown by a duly signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their doctor.

Also exempted are persons who will buy essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities, as shown by a duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify the travel.