The government has approved a second barrier design for motorcycle drivers and their backriders.

The motorcycle barrier design can be used by back-riding couples, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Monday, quoting Delfin Lorenzana, chairman of the National Task Force (NTF) for Covid-19.

The first shield design, approved last week, came from Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap.

Submitted by Angkas, a motorcycle ride-hailing firm, the second design is similar to a backpack that can be strapped on the driver.

The barrier is lightweight, made of high-density plastic and has handles for the rider.

Unlike the first approved design, the Angkas barrier will not be mounted directly on the motorcycle.

A barrier or shield is a requirement to maintain physical distancing between motorcycle driver and backrider.

Año reiterated that only couples – husbands and wives, common-law couples, and live-in partners – are allowed to ride motorcycles together during the pandemic. Jojo Mangahis