Is it safe to use public transportation during the coronavirus pandemic?
It depends on a variety of factors, but there are ways to minimize risk.
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The main way the virus spreads is through droplets that people vomit when they talk, cough or sneeze. That means the best way to reduce the spread of infection on public transportation and elsewhere is to wear and mask and stay 6 feet away from others, experts say.
Transit systems around the world require riders to wear masks and encourage people to distance themselves socially. Compliance can vary, especially as the level of ridership begins to rebound and trains and buses become full. But there are other steps you can take to make travel less risky.
The best way to reduce the spread of infection on public transit and elsewhere is to wear and mask and stay 6 feet away from others, experts say.
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest traveling during off-peak hours, avoiding crowded spots at stations and stops, and skipping rows between seats if possible.
Surfaces are also believed to pose a risk, albeit to a lesser extent, and transition systems use a variety of cleaning techniques. Moscow and Shanghai have experimented with ultraviolet light from germs and Hong Kong has deployed a robot that sprays hydrogen peroxide. In New York, subways will be closed for cleaning tonight.
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Even the CDC says to avoid surfaces like turnstiles and handrails if you can.
Although much remains unknown about the virus and how it spreads, experts note that there have not yet been any major outbreaks related to transition system.
