A Department of Science and Technology-funded study conducted by the Ateneo de Manila University found that having fewer barriers in public transport vehicles reduced the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
File photo MANILA - A recent study done by the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) found that less barriers in public transport actually reduce the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) transmission, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Pena said. "Results of the study show that the number of barriers and their arrangement greatly affect the airflow within these (public utility) vehicles. Barriers can be the seats with backrests, acetate or plastic barriers, and face shields, among others," he said in a taped report aired on Friday. The study was funded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and was conducted from May to October 2021. Led by Joel Maquiling of ADMU, the study aimed to identify significant risks of disease transmission among passengers of buses, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). To analyze the risks in public transport, the study team conducted 3D-simulations using a comm