Motorcycle riders have until July 26 to set up Covid barriers for partners — Eleazar

LT. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar announced on Saturday that all motorcycle riders were given another week or until July 26 to comply with the required barrier between them and their spouses or live-in partners to be allowed back on the road.

Eleazar, commander of Joint Task Force Covid Shield, said the National Task Force Against Covid-19, led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, approved the recommendation to extend the July 19 deadline for another week.

Eleazar said the extension would give motorists enough time to install either of the two barriers that passed the safety standards: the Bohol prototype and the Angkas design.

“We hope that the two-week grace period is more than enough for motorists to conform to the safety standards of the two approved designs to ensure the safety of both the driver and the riders,” Eleazar said in a statement.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año announced in early July that pillion riding would be allowed but only for couples.

Aside from the barrier, both drivers and backriders should wear the minimum personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as face masks and helmets.

Necessary proof should be presented to law enforcers by the driver and passenger such as a marriage certificate.