LOOK: THEY’RE BACK

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Traditional jeepneys returned to parts of Metro Manila on July 3, 2020, four months after they were sidelined by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Operators and drivers followed health and safety protocols like physical distancing, wearing of face masks and taking of body temperature to prevent the spread of the virus. Others unable to get back because of the government’s decision to limit operations in Metro Manila while it remains under general community quarantine (GCQ) have resorted to begging to survive the crisis. It was also the first Friday of the month, bringing the Catholic faithful to Quiapo Church in Manila, which reopened after it was closed for disinfection when a priest tested positive for Covid-19. It was a different gathering for residents in Barangay 91 and 234 in Manila who received cash assistance from the Philippine Red Cross, headed by Sen. Richard Gordon, to help them weather the pandemic that caused them their jobs. A queue has become a daily sight at the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) as its customers check on their bills amid an assurance from the power distributor that there will be no disconnection until September 30. 

PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN, ENRIQUE AGCAOILI