In a car with others during Covid-19? Follow this window opening tip

A research from Brown University has revealed that there is another effective way to reduce Covid-19 infection in cars than just opening all the windows. The trick is to control the airflow in the car by opening just 2 windows to create an air curtain free of virus particles.

This new method would be a great help for drivers or even those who rely on taxis or e-hailing rides to get around, especially during this time when Malaysia is experiencing record high numbers of new infections.

It is true that an enclosed car cabin with the air-conditioning on increases the chance of transmitting the virus, but we understand that opening all windows is not the most ideal situation in our country either, especially when we’re approaching the hottest part of the year.

This new trick that Brown University recommends will allow you to open only 2 windows, the window on the front passenger seat and the rear window on the driver side.

The air pressure is greater in the rear seat, so when the car is moving, the air will go through the open rear window and flow through the front window, creating a sort of jet stream, and what Dr Varghese Martai, a researcher from Brown University, calls an “air barrier” between the 2 occupants.

This research was conducted on a Toyota Prius with 2 passengers (1 driver and 1 passenger sitting in the rear) using a computerised airflow simulation method. It was found that with all the windows up there is an 8 to 10 percent chance of infection. With the windows open, the risk is reduced to only 0.2 to 2 percent.

So, if you find yourself needing to take an e-hailing ride, try this method to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.