THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reminded passengers and drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to observe health protocols to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The minimum health standards dubbed "7 Commandments," which will be enforced inside PUVs, include the wearing of face masks and shields; prohibition of speaking, conversation and answering mobile phones; prohibition of eating; proper ventilation; disinfection; passengers with Covid-19 symptoms; and one seat apart rule.

Passengers, drivers, operators, and conductors of public transportation are directed to implement DOTr's seven commandments.

"Ang mga kautusang ito ay mariing pinapaalala ng Department of Transportation na kinakailangan sundin, obserbahan at isapuso ng bawat pasahero, drayber, operator at konduktor," the DOTR said.

Health experts recommended these guidelines to protect the people, the agency added.

"Ang pagpapatupad ng mga health and sanitation protocols na ito, na alinsunod sa rekomendasyon ng mga health experts, ay ipinapatupad upang maprotektahan ang kalusugan at masiguro ang kaligtasan ng lahat," the DOTr said.

The transportation department also solicited the cooperation of the people to the government's fight against the virus.

"Hinihiling po namin ang inyong patuloy na kooperasyon at pakikiisa para sa bayan at para sa ating pamilya," it said.