Volunteers design cheap, easy-to-build sanitation tents vs. COVID-19

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) — A group of designers have come up with easy-to-build disinfection tents to boost protection against the novel coronavirus.

SaniTents PH, composed of designers, engineers, and chemists of the University of the Philippines Diliman, revealed the first design prototype for COVID-19 decontamination tents, which should serve as a guide for hospitals and other establishments looking to increase safety protocols amid the public health crisis.

The structure is estimated to cost ₱7,030 for its materials, mainly composed of PVC pipes, plastic cover, and matting. A cut-off machine and hand drill are recommended during construction, but a hacksaw and screwdriver may be used as alternatives.

The designers estimate the structure to be completed in one-and-a half days, but may entail additional costs if hiring a laborer. Without a helper, the construction could take three days.

The booth will have a diffuser system that will spray disinfectants from head to toe whenever a person walks in. The design for the diffuser and the exact chemical solution to be used are still being finalized. For now, SaniTents PH recommends a plastic knapsack sprayer that comes with a built-in motor. This can be mounted inside the tent.

The tents are easy to assemble and can placed in different locations. The goal is to create "sanitation corridors" which local government can easily produce. A few towns, cities, and government offices have been using improvised sanitation tents, although some use manual spraying.

The SaniTents PH design is publicly available. The company says anyone can use or modify it to build the structure.