Motoring Today Column

May 20, 2020

The first couple of days of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine or MECQ in Metro Manila were not happy ones.

Those who understood that M in MECQ stood for Modified and not 'malayang maglibot' were in turns anxious and angry at the sight of congested thoroughfares, including parts of EDSA, and the crowded entrances at malls and aisles at supermarkets.

Anxious out of fear that the Covid-19 contagion will continue to spread and angry at the people, undisciplined, plain ignorant of the dangers, or just uncaring of the consequences of their actions.

Many hope that the mad dash to freedom from being cloistered in homes for two months was just a momentary lapse-all were stir crazy and needing a break- and that sanity and discipline would return.

It was the weekend of course and maybe most of those jostling along the aisles of supermarkets were there for their weekly supply of groceries and other essentials.

But the bigger test of the move to MECQ would be the work week, when more businesses-aside from the so-called essential ones related to food, medicine, security and sanitation - are allowed to open.

The biggest fear is this: If the ill-discipline continues, physical distancing is not observed, the number of Covid-19 cases will rise, and it's back to a longer stint under ECQ.

So maybe it's a good time for a few reminders.

The most important is that the restrictions of the ECQ and the MECQ are essentially the same.

Only people authorized to leave home can do so. Those out to buy essentials like food and medicine are reminded to have the necessary quarantine passes.

Then there is the list of people allowed to go to work and provide necessary services. The MECQ guidelines lengthened the list of businesses, trades, and services allowed to resume operations. Their employees are reminded to secure certificates of employment or in lieu of that present employer IDs at checkpoints.

Whether out for essentials or work, everyone must be reminded that safety protocols mandated by health authorities must continue to be observed: social or physical distancing (stay at least one meter apart); frequent handwashing; wearing of masks in public places.

Businesses allowed to open are also reminded that these safety protocols must also be observed at the work places. Before resuming operations, the work place must reconfigured and the work flow redesigned to ensure employees and clients are protected and contagion is minimized if not stopped.

With public transport still restricted, they must remember the government mandate to provide shuttles for employees and encourage carpooling for those with private vehicles which must comply with physical distancing protocols.

It's not like we're in the list, everybody get back to work like before.

And while we're in the mood for reminders, here are more gentle ones:

Many malls, banks, shops and other establishments, both private and public, have been instituting measures to encourage physical distancing at entrances and within building or shop premises. Please use them.

If it's a circle or box on the floor, stay within it. If it's a line, stay right behind it. Don't stray to one side or the other. Make the line of people as even as possible. It not only looks good for Instagram or Twitter, it's also safer for everybody.

If there are arrows on aisles, follow the directions.

If shops have special procedures for ordering, pickup or payment, comply.

Masks are supposed to be worn properly, covering nose down to chin. Don't pull them down below chin, especially with people near or around you. It's for your own safety and, more especially, for others.

Lexus Convertible

Local car assemblers and distributors have taken to holding virtual press conferences about their plans and activities amid the quarantine restrictions.

A recent one is Lexus Philippines giving media a sneak preview of the Lexus LC Convertible that it plans to launch locally in the third quarter of the year.

The first of the LC Convertible line to be launched in thr country will be based on the flagship coupe, the LC 500.

It said that with exterior styling based on LC model line, the LC Convertible retains excellent aerodynamic performance and optimal weight distribution, incorporating functional beauty into the design. The soft-top roof provides a unique silhouette and sporty disposition.

The LC Convertible retains a beautiful silhouette when the top is lowered, through its automatic folding mechanism that stores the top under an integrated tonneau cover.

It will powered by naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to the DirectShift-10 automatic transmission.

Mitsubishi Heroes

Mitsubishi Motors dealerships and service centers are now open to serve owners of brand's vehicles in provinces and cities now under General Community Quarantine.

In recognition of the selfless service of so-called frontliners in the war against the Covid-19 virus, Mitsubishi is instituting the "Hero Priority Lane" to provide them quick, convenient service and a special change oil discount package.

The hero frontliners will given priority and will be immediately accommodated by service advisers and queued ahead of any non-front liner customers. They will also be given priority in billing, payment, and vehicle delivery.

Qualified as frontliners are health workers including doctors, nurses, medical technologists, midwives, pharmacists, radiologic technologists, registered nutritionists and dieticians;

Uniformed personnel from police, soldiers, firefighters, public order and safety officers; and

Delivery service operators like Grab, Lalamove, etc.

Phoenix Delivers

Phoenix Petroleum continues to initiate new services to help the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has announced that starting May 12 it will offer delivery services to SMEs ordering a minimum of 3,000 liters.

In a press statement, Phoenix said: "Customers only need to send their orders online through email at retailorders@phoenixfuels.ph, Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/phoenixfuels.ph, or by calling Phoenix official hotlines: PLDT toll-free at 1-800-10-PNXFUEL, Globe toll-free at 1-800-8-PNXFUEL, Smart at 0998-960-4246 to 53, and Globe at 0917-313-7011 to 18. The final price would include delivery fee which will vary depending on the customer's location."

Happy Motoring!!!

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