MOTORCYCLE barriers are still required for all backriders in Davao City, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

Duterte-Carpio made the clarification days after the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 announced that motorcycle riders living in the same household are no longer required to install barriers.

According to the mayor, the policy only applies to areas placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ). Davao City is currently under modified GCQ (MGCQ).

The mayor emphasized that according to the city’s Executive Order No. 47-A, all pillion riders are required to place any type of barrier, for as long as it will serve its purpose to both riders.

According to Section 13 of the EO, "the barrier may be made of any design and material, provided that it will cover the upper body of the driver, but not extend above the head."

"It doesn’t matter kung unsa ang inyong relationship, ang importante is the barrier," Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview via 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

The mayor emphasized that the barrier serves as a "health protocol" measure to prevent Covid-19 transmission.

Since August 13, the City Government has allowed motorcycle back riding for all.

On Tuesday evening, August 19, Joint Task Force Covid Shield Commander Guillermo Eleazar said motorcycle riders living in the same household are no longer required to install barriers as approved by the NTF Against Covid-19.

The new protocols on pillion riding are applicable in areas under GCQ starting August 19, 2020, and may also be applied in areas under MGCQ.

“Local chief executives (in areas under MGCQ) have the discretion to adapt and/or implement the above guidelines according to the needs of their local situation,” Eleazar said.