Air filters are to be installed on London buses carrying patients to and from hospitals and could be rolled out on to public transport to minimise the chance of Covid-19 spreading on board.

It has been today (April 18) revealed that new air-filtering technology will be installed on 100 London buses, news which comes as 26 London transport workers have died from the virus.

According to The Times, the technology will be equipped to vehicles being used to transport patients to and from London hospitals, but could also be rolled out onto public transport.

The filters were originally designed to tackle air pollution, but have been repurposed to remove 95% of airborne particles, including those carrying the virus.

It is hoped that the move will minimise the risk of coronavirus spreading to staff who will come into close contact with infected patients.

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Claire Mann, TfL's Director of Bus Operations, said: "Bus drivers are pivotal in ensuring critical workers like NHS staff and grocery workers can perform the vital roles they do during this national emergency.

"Their efforts are nothing short of heroic, and it is essential that we leave no stone unturned when looking to protect them."

A number of measures are currently being taken by TfL to protect staff, with London buses temporarily becoming middle-door only boarding as of Monday, April 20.

The move, which will see all buses become free, will provide better protection for drivers and enable better social distancing while the city is fighting the virus.

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Protective screens and rigorous cleaning are also being implemented, but London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also called for face masks to be compulsory when travelling in London.

Pete Kavanagh, Unite London and Eastern Regional Secretary, said: "This is a very welcome move and we are very relieved that TfL is listening to Unite and its members.

"We have lost members of our bus family in recent days and we refuse to lose any more."