by Rainier Allan Ronda – The Philippine Star, 27 Dec 2021
MANILA, Philippines — A Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded study conducted by the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) found that having fewer barriers in public transport vehicles reduced the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said that the ADMU study, led by Dr. Joel Maquiling, showed that the number of barriers and their arrangement greatly affected the airflow within public transport vehicles, and hence, also had consequences on COVID-19 transmission prevention.
By barriers, the study referred to seats with backrests, acetate or plastic barriers, and even face shields.
Public transport vehicles covered by the study, which was conducted from May to October, covered public utility buses, the Light Rail Transit (LRT), and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) configurations, using 3D simulations to look at airflow.
The study found that the current LRT and MRT configurations, where seats are arranged at the sides and passengers facing each other, are found to cause better airflow within the vehicle compared to the current commuter bus setup.
This arrangement also reduces the number of seats and limits the maximum passenger capacity.
Aside from barriers, additional inlets or outlets in the vehicles configured in an alternating open-closed-open manner would enhance the airflow and flush out any agents of infectious disease, like SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19.
The study team also stressed the importance of wearing face masks that perfectly fit the face, instead of using barriers of any form that may also trap viral loads of SARS-CoV-2.
Dela Peña said that the results of the ADMU study could be utilized by the concerned government agencies and policymakers in designing and implementing policies and guidelines, and guide transportation engineers in reconfiguring vehicles.
The DOST chief said that the data generated from the study may also be utilized by medical or health-related businesses in designing, fabricating and implementing appropriate personal protective equipment for commuters.
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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