Cebu guv defends mandatory air purifiers for PUV drivers

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has defended her directive for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors in the province to mandatorily use wearable air purifiers as an additional layer of protection against COVID-19.

The Department of Health (DOH) previously advised against the use of personal air purifiers, stating they could provide a false sense of security and lead to complacency.

Governor Garcia clarified that the air purifiers are meant to supplement, not replace, the minimum health protocols that must still be strictly followed.

She pointed to national articles where the DOH has encouraged the use of air purifiers as an added protection, and mentioned politicians like President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go who are also using them.

Alongside the mandatory air purifiers, the governor also ordered transport operators to follow the 75 percent capacity limit and the "open-air concept."