COVID-19 cases could rise again due to the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr’s) decision to relax physical distancing rules in public utility vehicles, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has warned.
In a letter dated September 11 and sent to President Rodrigo Duterte and DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, PCP said it was “extremely concerned” over the DOTR’s directive. The group said it runs counter from the one-meter physical distancing rule recommended by doctors based on scientific studies.
“May we stress the fact that the main mode of transmission of COVID-19 is by droplet spray. Studies have shown that droplet spray can travel distances of 6 feet or less, which is equivalent to a distance of 1.8 meters or approximately 2 meters. COVID-19 can also be transmitted by aerosol, which can travel a distance of more than 6 feet. Thus, the ideal distance to really minimize risk is 2 meters,” PCP said.
“The plan of optimizing distance to increase the number of people that can be accommodated in various modes of transportation will translate into increased transmission of COVID-19 infection,” the group added.
Starting September 14, distance between commuters on public utility vehicles will be reduced to 0.75 meters from the current 1 meter. It will be further reduced to 0.5 meters starting September 28 and 0.3 meters starting October 12.
The post Mas malayo, mas protektado! Physicians’ group warn of spike in COVID-19 cases over relaxed public transport distancing rules first appeared on Latest Philippine politics news today.
Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)
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