Local truck body builder Centro Manufacturing Corporation recently announced the development of anti-COVID-19 dividers for modern PUVs it manufactures. In addition, these dividers are also available as ready-to-install kits that can be retrofitted to any existing utility vehicle (UV) and public utility vehicle (PUV). Installation can be done at any of Centro’s production facilities in Novaliches, Quezon City; Cavite; and Marilao, Bulacan.
The transparent anti-COVID-19 dividers separates the driver from the passenger on his right, and others behind him. At the rear, each divider acts as a physical barrier between each passenger and reduces person-to-person contact. These dividers are fastened using clamps, without the need for drilling. Because of its simple design, these dividers can be regularly disinfected, or be disassembled if the UV will be used for cargo loading.
“The divider material is non-permeable, transparent plastic and the dividers are installed conforming to physical distancing. They may be installed one seat apart or even at less than one meter apart. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) guidelines allow PUJ operators to install impermeable barriers between rows of seats that are less than one meter apart if they wish to maximize the 50 percent passenger load,” shares Centro senior sales manager Vic Belisario.
The Metro Manila Council has made recommendations for the National Capital Region to transition from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to the more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) by June 1.
By then, more businesses are expected to open and employees will return to work. The anti-COVID-19 dividers will help observe proper social distancing within public transport. Earlier, the LTO issued guidelines which mandates PUVs and company shuttles to operate at only 50 percent reduced capacity.
“As the pandemic situation improves and more and more UVs and PUVs are allowed to operate, we see the need for these UVs and PUVs to have dividers. This makes them perfect as the vehicle solution to mass transport and the shuttle requirements of offices and factories. We are happy that the anti-COVID 19 dividers that we developed will help ensure the safety and health not only of the driver but the commuting public as well. We intend to protect our intellectual property rights over this innovative product so we will have it patented,” Belisario concludes.