With the holidays
over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply
traveling to get to work.
If you are one of
these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict
health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able
to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s
leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.
Prepare for cashless
payments. Many transport
services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure
against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings
if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains
and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable
contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the
necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to
prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.
Always bring your
essentials. When you take public
transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember
to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield.
It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes
to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and
other surfaces in a public vehicle.
Check required travel
documents. Since regions in the
country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter
policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may
require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a
travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate,
company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your
research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.
Keep yourself
entertained. If you’re going to
ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since
these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have
to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by
keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies
or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in
line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new
games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.
Avoid talking and
eating. When in public transportation,
refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or
take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer
around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house
so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.
Have an emergency
contact. When you’re on the
road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to
have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA
Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by
AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside
assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps,
professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously
notified of your emergency situation and current location. What's more, AXA has
also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature
which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may
download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your
account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.
For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line.
