The city government here on Friday reminded the public about the ban on group welcome and send-off in the city’s airports, seaports, and bus terminals as the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) active cases started to increase anew.
“It is not only because of Covid-19 but for reasons of safety and security. Only employees, workers, drivers, and passengers are allowed in these places,” Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said in a statement.
In February 2020, the mayor announced the permanent ban on greeters or send-off groups in transportation hubs here.
Duterte said passengers can be dropped off and picked up by private or public transport drivers only. All welcome greetings and send-offs shall be made in their respective residences.
In a separate statement Friday, Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson said there were instances last week when welcome greeters and send-off parties were spotted at the city airport and overland terminals.
“We need to remind, especially out-of-town people, that there is a ban on welcome and send-off at the Davao International Airport (DIA),” she said.
On the other hand, Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Davao City Public Safety Security Command Center, said there has been no reported presence of welcome greeters and send-off groups at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) since the imposition of the ban.
“There is no such incident in so far as land transportation [is concerned]. At DCOTT, you will only see passengers,” he added.
He also said that only a driver is allowed to send and drop off a passenger at the DIA. If a passenger is a person with a disability or a senior citizen, he or she may have one companion aside from the driver.
“In fact, at the airport, we have a drivers’ parking area. Drivers will just pick up passengers. We are prohibiting gatherings at the departure and arrival areas to prevent Covid-19 transmission,” Sumagaysay added.
Source: Philippines News Agency
