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Cebu orders mandatory use of personal air purifiers among PUV drivers
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has mandated that all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors in the province must use personal air purifiers while on duty, effective August 16.
The order, detailed in a memorandum signed on August 13, mandates drivers and conductors to wear the wearable air purifiers throughout their trips.
Governor Garcia cited scientific benefits, stating that air purifiers with HEPA filters can create a safer atmosphere by neutralizing viruses, pollens, microbes, and bacteria using negative ions.
She also recommended an affordable supplier in Cebu for purchasing these devices.
The Philippine National Police and Highway Patrol Group have been ordered to assist in the strict implementation of the memorandum.
However, PISTON-Cebu described the order as a "band-aid solution," advocating instead for faster vaccine distribution, free swab testing, mass testing, and contact tracing.
The group also stressed that if the air purifiers are to be mandated, the government should provide them for free to alleviate additional expenses for drivers and conductors.
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The provincial government of Cebu has postponed its air purifier policy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors to August 25, allowing them more time to acquire the devices.
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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.
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