255 trike drivers catch coronavirus

MANILA, Philippines — At least 255 tricycle drivers in Mandaluyong have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, Mayor Menchie Abalos said yesterday.

The drivers, who underwent rapid diagnostic testing as a requirement before they are allowed to resume operations, were asymptomatic or have not shown any symptoms of the virus.

“We cannot trace where these drivers contracted the virus as they come from different barangays,” Abalos said.

She said some of the drivers were isolated and the others were placed under home quarantine. The rest are waiting for the results of their confirmatory swab tests.

Mandaluyong started testing tricycle drivers for COVID-19 when Metro Manila shifted to modified enhanced community quarantine this month.

The city government has allowed the operation of half of its fleet of tricycles.

Abalos said the tricycle drivers are required to undergo rapid testing before they can transport passengers.

So far, the city government has tested about half of the city’s 8,000 tricycle drivers.

“We expect the number of COVID-19 cases to rise. Imagine, there are 8,000 tricycle drivers in the city,” Abalos said.

Tricycles should transport only one passenger per trip. A plastic barrier should separate the driver and the passenger.

The city government banned back riding exempt during medical emergencies.

Drivers are also required to wear face masks and gloves.

There were 651 cases of COVID-19 in Mandaluyong with 326 recoveries and 54 deaths.