3 Tips for Staying Safe on Public Transport during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Throughout the world, public transportation gives people a valuable service – taking them where they need to go. In major cities that are especially prone to traffic congestion, people rely on the subway system and buses to get to work on time.
Unfortunately, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, governments have had to implement lockdown measures and travel restrictions. Now they’re beginning to ease these restrictions in order to help citizens get back to normal and reduce the impact an extended lockdown would have on the economy.
Still, this doesn’t mean that the coronavirus has ceased to exist, and we no longer have to worry. Even though using public transit does increase the risk of contracting the virus, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Plan Your Journey
First of all, you should check online if there are any changes to your route. You will usually find this information posted on official websites. Because of social distancing measures, travel may take longer, so you may need to allow more time to get to your destination.
It may also be helpful if you made some changes to your route as well. For example, if your regular route is quite busy, you could try to find an alternative. You’ll want to avoid traveling during rush hour as much as possible. Talk to your employers and see if they can adjust your working hours accordingly.
If you decide to plan a new route, try to find one where you don’t have to switch trains or buses a lot so you can minimize the number of people you come into contact with. Consider how busy stations and stops are as well. It might be possible to get off at a less crowded stop. Regarding tickets, it would be better to buy them online or to use an app so you can avoid exchanging cash.
Wear a Mask
It’s very important that you wear a mask at all times when you’re sharing a closed space with other people. Covid-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and a mask can block at least part of these droplets, therefore reducing the risk. You can buy masks online, and you’ll even find reusable ones like organic cotton face mask pink. A mask is also a useful reminder that should refrain from touching your face.
Remember that for the mask to be effective, it needs to cover both your mouth and your nose. Do not wear it under your nose. You can find instructions on how to wear masks, how to dispose of them, and how to clean reusable masks online.
Bring Adequate Supplies
Other than a mask, you will need hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and sanitizing wipes. While you’re on the subways or bus, you will inevitably come into contact with the seats and handles. Try to keep your personal belongings from touching the ground or other surfaces, including the seats.
You should also avoid using your smartphone on public transport, but if you have to, clean it with a sanitizing wipe before letting it touch your face. Remember to avoid touching your face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Once you reach your destination, you should wash your hands with soap for 30 seconds, and if that’s not possible, you can use your hand sanitizer.
