As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) evolves into a global pandemic, the Philippine government has reactively decided to temporarily suspend all classes in Metro Manila in a bid to deter the spread of the dreaded disease.
The worsening situation also forced public and private institutions to close down their premises for disinfection activities, public officials to subject themselves into self-quarantine as well as the temporary suspension of major events and gatherings.
Although the virus poses an existential threat to humanity, Filipino netizens were quick to see the silver-lining amid the worldwide catastrophe: the long-standing situation of traffic in the metropolis has dramatically improved.
Following the suspension of classes in Metro Manila and the implementation of work-from-home schemes in some companies, motorists and commuters who regularly brave the hellish traffic shared on Twitter that there are now fewer vehicles that are plying the major roads, most especially on EDSA, which is usually crammed with vehicles day in and day out.
Some claimed that the travel time along the highway has improved by 30 minutes to one hour compared to the usual 2 to 2.5 hours.
Even the bustling streets of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig are now noticeably empty following the confirmation last week that a company employee had tested positive for COVID-19.
Of course, the virus scare is just a temporary relief for the riding public. But Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said that the traffic situation in Metro Manila is set to improve dramatically by December 2020 with the expected completion of the agency’s major projects.
These are primarily Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.’s NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 and San Miguel Corp.’s Skyway Stage 3 project.