MOTORCYCLE riders were given five more days to comply with the requirement of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 to install a barrier between driver and passenger to prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, Joint Task Force (JTF) Covid-19 Shield commander, said the NTF extended the deadline in response to mounting requests for more time.

“This is proof that the NTF Against Covid-19 understands and listens to the concern of our motorcycle riders, and in return, all we ask is compliance from their end because this particular rule was made for their own protection from coronavirus infection,” said Eleazar.

He said motorcycle riders may secure from authorized motorcycle dealers barriers that comply with the approved specifications.

Backriding has been allowed since July 10 for couples living in one house in areas under general community quarantine, provided a barrier is installed between driver and passenger.

Both should also be wearing face masks aside from the safety helmets.

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Eduardo Año said the requirement for barriers was set in anticipation of riders disregarding the couple-only policy. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)