‘Modern jeeps could worsen virus transmission’

MANILA, Philippines — A coalition for better transportation has asked the COVID-19 National Task Force to review the design of air-conditioned modern jeepneys amid reports that poor ventilation in confined spaces could worsen the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

Alt Mobility PH, Commuters PH, Komyut and Sentro sent a letter dated June 5 to COVID-19 response chief implementor Carlito Galvez Jr. informing him about a June 22 advisory from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control titled “Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the context of COVID-19.”

The letter was also sent to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra III.

According to the coalition, the advisory “shines a light on the vulnerabilities of the Philippine government’s measures in reducing COVID-19 exposures and transmissions.”

It cited several cases of virus transmission in confined spaces due to poor ventilation.

The coalition said it reviewed the designs of the modern jeepneys and noted that “most have sealed windows with limited natural ventilation and airflow,” which could increase the risk of virus transmission.

The group said the importance of ventilation may have been “overlooked” by the Department of Transportation and LTFRB in giving priority to modernized jeepneys over traditional ones.

The coalition urged the task force to reconsider allowing traditional jeepneys with better ventilation back on the roads, subject to compliance with health protocols to bridge the gap in the number of public utility vehicles.