Train travel during COVID-19? Follow these guidelines

During the COVID19 pandemic public transport was limited to essential workers those wanting to commute for other jobs were not permitted to use this service As lockdowns lifted and workplaces reopened across the city office goers eagerly waited for train services ie Mumbais lifeline to resume service But for people travelling through train its imperative to understand the measures one can adopt to have a safe journey to and from workTraveling on trains for any length of time involves sitting or standing within 6 feet of others which may increase ones risk of getting COVID19 Dr Sandeep Patil Chief Intensivist Fortis Hospital Kalyan shares guidelines that will help you prepare better for train travelBEFORE TRAVELStay updated Check the train schedule beforehand this way you can time your travel in the nonpeak hours and at a time slot of your preference and convenienceGet your pass ticket in order If possible get an epass eticket so you dont have to wait in serpentine queues to get your travel documents in order Choose to make contactless reservations and paymentsAnticipate your travel needs Carry a 3ply face mask a hand sanitizer and a few disinfectant wipes with you Carry a few extra masks in a sealed bag so you could replace your mask if it gets soiledPrepare Before you leave for work wash your hands with soap and water and then wear your mask Once worn it should not be touched or removed till you arrive at your workplace Wear gloves before you step out these will work as a barrier if you end up touching door handles railings etc The gloves can be disposed appropriately after reaching your workplace if you dont have gloves ensure that you dont touch your face during the transit and that you wash your hands thoroughly after getting workDURING TRAVELAvoid touching surfaces Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces such as ticket machines handrails elevator buttons and benches as much as possible If you do touch these surfaces immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use a sanitizer containing 60 alcoholFollow social distancing guidelines Stay at least 6 feet away from other commuters and avoid gathering in groups Consider skipping a few seats between yourself and other passengers if possible Follow signs put out by the railways indicating where to stand or sit where to queue up and the exit signsUsing public bathrooms at the train station Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the public bathroomBuying food and water at the train station Carry your own water bottle and food packets dont accept or offer water bottles to other commuters If you end up buying food or water at the train station pay contactless or in exact change Avoid removing your mask to eat and drink during your commute instead wait till you reach your workplaceAvoid spitting This is a strict no noUPON GETTING TO WORKHand hygiene After completing your trip sanitize your hands upon reaching your workplace wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 secondsMask hygiene Remove the mask you wore during your travel amp replace it with a fresh one The previously worn mask can be placed in a sealed bag to wash or disposeAvoid crowding in the cafeteria At work avoid eating together during lunch time and maintain safe distance in the cafeteria as wellSome types of travel methods can put you at higher risk for exposure to COVID19 but by taking ample precautions and following hygiene etiquettes we can ensure a safe commuteKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever