HOW TO KEEP SAFE: Commuters feel the 'rush hour squeeze' again

Ridership in public transportation is beginning to rebound. Since the start of October during the easing of the general community quarantine (GCQ) the number of those taking public transportation, like trains, buses, jeepneys and UV Express vans, has slowly but steadily increased. And as ridership increases, so is the rush hour squeeze.

Inevitably, people have become worried about the risks of contagion and being trapped in an enclosed space for the duration of a trip. 

But for many, like essential workers, stopping commuting wasn't a choice. There's no alternative to mass transit. Not everyone owns or can even afford a car.

Nonetheless, public health specialists urge that commuting be approached with caution.

With all public transportation, there is always some risk of infection. After all, you are entering a public space. But it's possible to reduce that risk significantly by following these simple rules from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

When using any type of transportation, follow these general principles:

Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

• Before you leave, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Once you reach your destination, wash your hands again or use hand sanitizer as soon as possible.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Social distance

• During travel, try to keep at least 6 feet (2 meters, approximately 2 arms’ length) from people who are not in your household — for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a train.

Wear a mask

• Wear a mask in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around other people.
• Masks should not be placed on:
• Babies and children younger than 2 years old
• Anyone who has trouble breathing
• Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
• Masks are meant to protect other people in case you are unknowingly infected and do not have symptoms.
• (NOTE: In the Philippines, a full face shield on top of a face mask is required. Removing masks and shields, as well as speaking or calls via smartphones are not allowed.)

When in Public Transport

Follow the general principles listed above, plus the following:

Stay up-to-date

• Check with local transit authorities for the latest information on changes to services and procedures, especially if you might need additional assistance.

Avoid touching surfaces

• As much as possible, limit touching frequently touched surfaces such as kiosks, digital interfaces such as touchscreens and fingerprint scanners, ticket machines, turnstiles, handrails, restroom surfaces, elevator buttons, and benches as much as possible.
• If you must touch these surfaces, as soon as you can, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or rub your hands with sanitizer containing 60% alcohol.
• Use touchless payment and no-touch trash cans and doors when available. Exchange cash or credit cards by placing them in a receipt tray or on the counter rather than by hand, if possible.

Social distance

• When possible, consider traveling during non-peak hours when there are likely to be fewer people.
• Follow social distancing guidelines by staying at least 6 feet (2 meters) from people who are not from your household. For example:
• Avoid gathering in groups, and stay out of crowded spaces when possible, especially at transit stations and stops.
• Consider skipping a row of seats between yourself and other riders if possible.
• Enter and exit buses through rear entry doors if possible.
• Look for social distancing instructions or physical guides offered by transit authorities (for example, floor decals or signs indicating where to stand or sit to remain at least 6 feet apart from others).

Practice hand hygiene

• After you leave the transit station or stop, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• When you arrive at your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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Image from PhilSTAR

This post originally appeared in https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com