P2K-P5K fines imposed for not wearing face mask while traveling

Authorities will begin tightening the policy of wearing a face mask inside the vehicle, whether private or public transportation, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

In an interview with TeleRadyo, LTO-National Capital Region director Clarence Guinto said that it must be followed even if the passengers live in the same house.

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Violators in private vehicles will be fined P2,000, while those on public transportation will have to pay P5,000.

“Kung galing kayo sa isang bahay, hindi rin ascribed sa regulation, dapat mag-face mask pa rin. It does not distinguish kung magkasama kayo sa bahay o hindi,” said Guinto.

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), if you are alone in the vehicle, you are no longer obliged to wear a face mask.

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“According to the LTO pronouncement, pag mag-isa lang po tayo sa ating pribaodng behikulo, of course, puwede na tayong hindi magsuot ng face mask. Pag may two or more passengers… dapat mag-mask,” said MMDA chief of staff Mike Salalima.

P2K-P5K fines imposed for not wearing face mask while traveling

According to an infectious disease specialist, although it is good to practice wearing a face mask, it is possible to give consideration to relatives who are also together at home.

“I would recommend na mag-mask pa rin. But if you are kamag-anak, you’re living together, halimbawa 2 kapatid, ang mother, ang father, you’re in the same house and you’re going out in the same car I would not advise siguro na mag-mask,” said Dr. Rontgene Solante of San Lazaro Hospital.

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Meanwhile, a representative of the World Health Organization to the Philippines said on Monday there is no need to wear double surgical face masks.

Asked if it is necessary to wear two types of masks at the same time,  country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said: “It depends on what kind of mask you are wearing.”

“If you are wearing medical or surgical masks, we don’t think there is a necessity for two masks. I have seen some reports that say if you wear two masks, it is more protective. The question is where do you draw the line? You could say five masks could be more protective than two,” he said over ABS-CBN News Channel.