No carpooling across the metropolis in the meantime, ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines said on Thursday, as it moved to minimize the risks of transmitting the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) through its services.
In a statement, the Singapore-based company said it would be suspending its GrabShare services starting Friday, 12 noon, 鈥渁nd will resume as soon as the public health situation deescalates.鈥�
Other Grab transport options like GrabCar and GrabFood, however, will remain available to the public.
鈥楾ake hygiene seriously鈥�
鈥淲e would like everyone to plan their travels prudently and to take their hygiene seriously,鈥� Grab said, adding that the suspension of its carpool service鈥攏ormally much more cheaper than GrabCar鈥攚ill not affect fare rates.
鈥榃ell and healthy鈥�
Grab鈥檚 announcement is among several concerted efforts across the transport sector to promote the social distancing policy being pushed by the Department of Health, with the capital region reporting most of the confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country.
As of Thursday, several public officials have already disclosed they would have to undergo quarantine after being exposed to a Covid-19 patient.
On Wednesday, Grab Philippines head Brian Cu himself underwent testing for the virus after being exposed to a Covid-19 positive Singaporean colleague.
His tests came back negative and he turned out 鈥渨ell and healthy,鈥� according to Grab.
The company also said none of its employees have tested positive for the virus thus far.