PUV drivers urged to undergo COVID-19 testing

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

 

The Iloilo City government prodded public utility vehicle drivers to undergo COVID-19 testing to protect their ranks and the public in general.

Jeck Conlu, spokesperson of the Iloilo City COVID-19 team, said their data indicated that 9 PUV drivers were already infected with SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease, as of Oct 5, 2020.

Conlu revealed the data after Boyet Parcon, president of the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations, said that some of their members will not undergo testing as it will affect their income.

Protocols by the City government require every person who undergoes COVID testing to be quarantined until the results are released.

But Conlu said the releasing of results will only take three days at most, and those who underwent testing and in isolation will be given aid by the city government.

“Our drivers are one of the most exposed sectors to the virus. It is imperative that they undergo testing along with our vendors. It is free and those who will be tested will receive help from the city while they are on isolation,” he added.

Earlier, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas ordered the random COVID-19 resting of public vendors and PUV drivers as they are considered high risk for infections.

Conlu said they aim to test 10 to 20 percent of all vendors and drivers.