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Coronavirus: What's the risk on public transport? Coronavirus: What's the risk on public transport?
(1 day later)
Since the UK went into lockdown, there have been reduced services on trains, buses and planes, and the government has advised against all but essential travel.Since the UK went into lockdown, there have been reduced services on trains, buses and planes, and the government has advised against all but essential travel.
Now, with restrictions being eased in England, more people are being encouraged back to work.Now, with restrictions being eased in England, more people are being encouraged back to work.
The government says they should avoid public transport and walk, cycle or drive instead.The government says they should avoid public transport and walk, cycle or drive instead.
But if they can't, what are the risks of taking the bus or train?But if they can't, what are the risks of taking the bus or train?
How safe are train and bus travel?How safe are train and bus travel?
A lot of the potential risk of infection on trains and buses depends on how crowded they are, and so how far away you can keep from other people. This applies both on the vehicles and at stops and stations, and will vary in different parts of the country and on different routes.A lot of the potential risk of infection on trains and buses depends on how crowded they are, and so how far away you can keep from other people. This applies both on the vehicles and at stops and stations, and will vary in different parts of the country and on different routes.
Ventilation also plays an important role as fresh air can help droplets containing the virus dissipate faster, so being able to open a window can be an advantage.Ventilation also plays an important role as fresh air can help droplets containing the virus dissipate faster, so being able to open a window can be an advantage.
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales small droplets packed with the virus into the air.Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales small droplets packed with the virus into the air.
These droplets can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object.These droplets can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object.
The government's consistent message has been to stay 2m (more than 6ft) apart from people outside your household.The government's consistent message has been to stay 2m (more than 6ft) apart from people outside your household.
Previous research has suggested a link between commuting on the London Underground and the likelihood of catching respiratory illnesses.Previous research has suggested a link between commuting on the London Underground and the likelihood of catching respiratory illnesses.
Dr Lara Gosce, at the Institute of Global Health, says her research (published in 2018) showed people who used the Underground regularly were more likely to suffer flu-like symptoms.Dr Lara Gosce, at the Institute of Global Health, says her research (published in 2018) showed people who used the Underground regularly were more likely to suffer flu-like symptoms.
"Particularly, it shows that boroughs served by fewer lines - where inhabitants are forced to change line one or more times when travelling on the Underground - have higher rates of influenza-like diseases, compared to well-served boroughs where passengers reach their destination by one direct trip," she said."Particularly, it shows that boroughs served by fewer lines - where inhabitants are forced to change line one or more times when travelling on the Underground - have higher rates of influenza-like diseases, compared to well-served boroughs where passengers reach their destination by one direct trip," she said.
If you're travelling on a relatively empty train or bus, though, your risks would be different. How long you spend on transport will also play a role - spending more time in contact, and coming into contact with more people will increase your risk.If you're travelling on a relatively empty train or bus, though, your risks would be different. How long you spend on transport will also play a role - spending more time in contact, and coming into contact with more people will increase your risk.
So, "limiting the number of close contacts with potentially infected individuals and objects is important," according to Dr Gosce.So, "limiting the number of close contacts with potentially infected individuals and objects is important," according to Dr Gosce.
"In terms of travel, avoid peak hours if possible," she says, suggesting, where viable, passengers should choose routes involving only one means of transport."In terms of travel, avoid peak hours if possible," she says, suggesting, where viable, passengers should choose routes involving only one means of transport.
What is the advice for passengers?What is the advice for passengers?
The government says people should "consider all other forms of transport before using public transport". If they can't walk, cycle or drive to their destination, they are advised to:The government says people should "consider all other forms of transport before using public transport". If they can't walk, cycle or drive to their destination, they are advised to:
The government acknowledges that there may be situations where people can't keep 2m away from each other, such as at busy times or getting on or off public transport. In these cases, the advice is to avoid physical contact and face away from others.The government acknowledges that there may be situations where people can't keep 2m away from each other, such as at busy times or getting on or off public transport. In these cases, the advice is to avoid physical contact and face away from others.
Governments in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have also recommended people wear face coverings on public transport.Governments in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have also recommended people wear face coverings on public transport.
The Welsh government has said people can choose to wear them, but adds the evidence is "not strong enough" to make them mandatory.The Welsh government has said people can choose to wear them, but adds the evidence is "not strong enough" to make them mandatory.
Face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances. In particular, they are to stop the wearer passing on coronavirus, rather than protecting them from others.Face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances. In particular, they are to stop the wearer passing on coronavirus, rather than protecting them from others.
What safety measures are travel operators taking?What safety measures are travel operators taking?
Transport networks around the country are enhancing their safety measures to protect staff and passengers.Transport networks around the country are enhancing their safety measures to protect staff and passengers.
Arriva Buses is only accepting contactless payment and will no longer give change for cash payments.Arriva Buses is only accepting contactless payment and will no longer give change for cash payments.
Transport for London is installing hand sanitisers at all tube, rail and bus stations and has introduced a rigorous cleaning schedule.Transport for London is installing hand sanitisers at all tube, rail and bus stations and has introduced a rigorous cleaning schedule.
It says it will only be able to carry 13-15% of its normal number of passengers on the Underground and buses.It says it will only be able to carry 13-15% of its normal number of passengers on the Underground and buses.
On Wednesday morning, national rail reported a 10% rise in passengers compared with the same time last week.On Wednesday morning, national rail reported a 10% rise in passengers compared with the same time last week.
London's Tube saw a 7.3% rise, with 83,293 journeys by 10am. But this was a fraction of normal passenger volume, which saw 1.2m journeys by 10am on the same day last year.London's Tube saw a 7.3% rise, with 83,293 journeys by 10am. But this was a fraction of normal passenger volume, which saw 1.2m journeys by 10am on the same day last year.
What is the situation around the UK?What is the situation around the UK?
People in England who are allowed to return to work have been asked not to use public transport if possible.People in England who are allowed to return to work have been asked not to use public transport if possible.
People in Wales have been told to avoid it. where possible. People in Wales have been told to avoid it where possible.
Limited public transport services are running in Scotland for people who absolutely need to get to work and the situation is similar in Northern Ireland.Limited public transport services are running in Scotland for people who absolutely need to get to work and the situation is similar in Northern Ireland.