A design company in Colombia is making hospital beds from cardboard for patients with coronavirus. These beds are dual-purpose and can be turned into a coffin if the patient passes away. The design means medical staff do not have to move the coronavirus victim’s body, which reduces the risk of transmission of the virus. The beds can be used for 18 months by a patient and can hold up to 150kg of body weight.

Coronavirus is only able to survive on cardboard for 24 hours, whereas it can live on metal and plastic for up to three days. The cardboard material is therefore preferable in minimising the chances of virus transmission, and it is also biodegradable.