Long queues for buses in the Philippines as coronavirus restrictions are eased

Long queues for buses in the Philippines as coronavirus restrictions are eased

Footage shows long queues of workers waiting at a bus station in the Philippines as the country relaxes its coronavirus restrictions on June 1.

Officials have allowed buses, jeepneys, and trains to operate a reduced service with passengers maintaining social distancing rules.

However, the restrictions have caused long delays with many people unable to use the services.

Onlooker MJ Blancaflor recorded the video in Muntinlupa City.

She saidthat the line was slow because the vehicles are operating at half capacity.

She said: "I feel bad for them because they have no choice but to wait for the vehicles for them to go to work." The Metro Manila had been under almost 80 days of strict stay-at-home measures which is one of the longest in the world.

Each region follows a different stay-at-home measure which is based on the area's coronavirus risk level assessed by the local government.

Recently, the country had shifted from the Enhanced Community Quarantine which closes down all businesses except food and health sectors, into General Community Quarantine which allows more industry to operate.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade asked the public to be more understanding of the situation.

He said: "We are asking for your patience and understanding.

We did not promise that we can provide the enough and extensive transportation during the first day of GCQ or even in the duration of GCQ."