IATF Approves Motorcycle Backride, But What?

Starting July 10, backride in motorcycles will now be allowed in GCQ (General Community Quarantine) and MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) areas. The IATF has yet to issue a comprehensive guideline about the new policy but already reiterated that it will only allow husband, wife, or living-in partner as backride. Other members of the family are not yet allowed even if they reside in the same home. According to Spokesperson Harry Roque, couples should present a copy of their marriage certificate or ID's for living-in partners.

While this is a positive development, netizens were dismayed about the other conditions set by the IATF. According to DILG Sec Ano, motorcycle owners should install a protective barrier that will serve as an effective protection against COVID-19 transmission. The design which was proposed by Governor Yap of Bohol was adopted by the IATF as the standard model or design. The specifications were already posted online so those interested can now have it custom-made for their specific motorcycle units.

If you are a motorcycle owner, would you install this protective barrier on your unit? Is it safe? Is aerodynamics considered in the prototype design? Is this an effective method of protection against COVID-19? Remember, they only allowed married couples or living-in partners. Do we really need more bright people in the government?