Ventilation reduces risk of COVID-19 infection in motorcycle taxis —UP study

Motorcycle taxis are still a relatively safe mode of transportation even amid the coronavirus pandemic since they offer good ventilation and exposure to sunlight, experts from the University of the Philippines-College of Public Health have found.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s “24 Oras” report on Monday, a panel of experts examined findings in other countries for a study commissioned by the ride-hailing app Angkas. 

One study of 120 cities in China showed that “higher wind velocity may decrease confirmed case counts since high wind speeds are beneficial to the dilution and removal of droplets, shortening the suspension time of microorganisms in the air.”

“The Guangzhou-based study also concluded that hours of sunshine may reduce the confirmed case counts, citing the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 to ultraviolet rays,” the experts added.

While motorcycles do not allow for social distancing, they may still be safe.

“[Between] enclosed cases versus spaces that have adequate ventilation, the difference in terms of risk was substantial… Hindi naman magkaharap ‘yung magkasakay na ‘yun e. And then the ventilation reduces the risk,” Dr. Vicente Belizario said.

“Overall effect could be still relative safety for as long as you take the other precautions seriously,” he added.

The government earlier stressed that frequent cleaning of high touch areas on motorcycles is also crucial.

Angkas said it is ready to comply with health and safety protocols.

“No one measure will guarantee complete safety from a pathogen like MERS coronavirus causing COVID-19. Sa public health, mas marami kang gagawin. One on top of another, layers of protection for prevention and control,” Belizario said.

In August, the House committee on transportation said it would move for the lifting of the ban on motorcycle taxis to ease the burden of the commuting public following the loosening of quarantine restrictions.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News