Government Issues New Measures on Transportation to Curtail Spread of Coronavirus

March 18, 2020 by

MONROVIA, Montserrado – After Liberian health authorities announced the second case of the Coronavirus disease, otherwise known as COVID-19, the Ministry of Transport has issued new restrictions for public transportation.

In collaboration with the Liberia National Police, the Transport Ministry issued a circular on Tuesday providing a list of new measures that passengers and vehicle operators need to observe to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus.

The measures require that motorcycle taxi operators wear protective masks and accommodate only one passenger per ride. Additionally, commercial vehicles may now only carry one passenger in the front passenger seat and a maximum of three passengers in the back seats. Previously, sedans would carry four passengers in the back and one in the front, although for highway trips (e.g. Monrovia to Gbarnga) drivers frequently carried two passengers in the front seat.

Meanwhile, commercial tricycles, also known as keh-keh, can now carry only two passengers per ride.

“The LNP/MOT stresses that full enforcement of the above preventive measures shall commence effective today, March 17, 2020,” the statement said.

The new restrictions are part of several measures authorities have instituted to contain the country’s Coronavirus cases. Earlier, Pres. George Weah has announced the cancellation of his planned nationwide tour. The Ministry of Education has also suspended all schools, including institutions of higher learning, for one week beginning Tuesday, March 17.

Featured photo by Juan Freire

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Gbatemah Senah

Senah is a graduate of the University of Liberia and a recipient of the Jonathan P. Hicks Scholarship for Mass Communications. Between 2017 and 2019, he won six excellent reporting awards from the Press Union of Liberia. They include a three-time Land Rights Reporter of the Year, one time Women's Rights Reporter of the Year, Legislative Reporter of the Year, and Human Rights Reporter of the Year.

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