NO WELCOME, SEND-OFF PARTIES. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte announces the ban on welcome and send-off groups in all transportation hubs in the city during a press conference on Monday (Feb. 10, 2020). She says the permanent ban is not only because of the 2019 novel coronavirus but for safety and security reasons. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
DAVAO CITY -- The city government here will permanently ban starting Tuesday (February 11) all welcome and send-off groups in all transportation hubs in the city.
Mayor Sara Duterte announced the ban on Monday, saying it will take effect in airports, seaports, bus terminals, and other transportation hubs.
"It is not only because of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) but for reasons of safety and security. Only employees, workers, drivers and passengers are allowed in these places," Mayor Sara said.
She said only passengers, employees, workers, taxi/grab drivers, and individuals who have transactions inside the said areas would be allowed.
"Passengers can be dropped off and picked up by private or public transport drivers only," Duterte said.
She added that welcome and send-off parties/groups in the said areas or even at the parking lots will be permanently banned.
"All welcome greetings shall be made at your respective residences," she said, adding that, the convergence of people in any part of the seaports and airports or terminal is strictly not allowed.
However, Duterte stressed that passengers who are senior citizens, pregnant women, ladies and families with infants and small children, and persons with disabilities (PWD) are the only individuals allowed with assistants, in addition to their drivers.
She also clarified that any high ranking national government officials, guests of the government, and members of the Diplomatic and Consular groups are still allowed to hold welcome and send-off activities provided that they are accompanied by their security personnel.
"Taxi, Grab and other ride-sharing vehicles, bus, and van drivers must wear masks and ensure that they clean and disinfect vehicles before and after delivery of passengers to their destinations," she said. (PNA)
