The relationship of social vulnerability and travel behavior with COVID-19 in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations and permanently changed travel behavior. This study aims to explore the relationship of social vulnerability and travel behavior with COVID-19 in Metro Manila, Philippines. Using data from an online questionnaire survey, and applying ordinal logistic regression analysis, results showed that gender, household crowding, lack of vehicle access and type of occupation can contribute to virus exposure. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis was applied to mobility data from Google and Apple. Results from the analysis support the hypothesis that traveling to groceries or retail stores can increase the risk of exposure to the virus, while staying at home and walking as transport mode, lessens the risk. Findings from this research provide a perspective of COVID-19 impacts in a developing country; moreover, results can be used by policymakers as a guide in formulating pandemic response strategies which considers the most vulnerable groups.