The Spanish health authorities recommend traveling by public transport as little and as necessary. They call to prioritize transport such as the bicycle, the foot itself or other individual transport. The lack of capacity restrictions and the fact that users are not controlled to wear approved masks are two factors that put many travelers at risk. However, the reality is what it is. Many of us need public transportation to get to work or to do other essential activities.
Dr. Jesús Sánchez Marcos, former Minister of Health of the Community of Madrid and Professor of Health Education at the Complutense University of Madrid, is dissatisfied with the situation in the means of transport: “The physical distance of 1 meter and a half or 2 meters is, together with the correct use of the appropriate mask and scrupulous hand hygiene, one of the measures that can prevent contagion. I'm not saying it, the most rigorous scientific evidence says so ”. In this sense, this professional warns: “In masses, cinemas and theaters –which meet better ventilation conditions– only seats that meet the recommended distance can be occupied. However,in the subway, the suburban area and the bus, the slightest safety distance is not kept; there are passengers who even travel standing . It is necessary to maintain physical distance and our public authorities continue to minimize the importance that it strictly deserves ”.
As we said before, if you have no choice but to take public transport in your day to day, take note of these recommendations that can help reduce the chances of contagion. Don't take it as a joke!
Plan your trip
This is one of the main recommendations of the government. Avoid rush hours , check the schedules of the transport you are going to use and make sure there are no setbacks that could alter your trip.
Always wear a mask
This barrier garment is one of the few preventive measures you can take when riding the train, the subway or the bus, so wear it and make sure it is approved. Some specialists recommend using FFP masks in these situations, as they are the only ones that offer protection to yourself . While the surgical and hygienic ones protect others from your droplets, the FFPs protect you from other people's droplets. Its main role is to protect from the outside in, but it also protects from the inside out.
Do not touch anything
You should not touch the surfaces of these rooms too much. Try not to touch the handrails or armrests and, as much as possible, do not hold onto the grab bars . You already know that if the droplets of an infected person have ended up on these surfaces, they can end up on your hands and, later, come into contact with your eyes, nose or mouth, the main routes of infection.
- Be very careful also with falling asleep leaning on the bars. If you are tired, lean back, but never rest your face on any surface.
Avoid going face to face with anyone
Keep a safe distance of one and a half meters from others whenever you have the possibility and avoid engaging in conversations with other passengers. If your car is too full, line up in single file, avoiding going face to face with anyone. In this position, there is less chance that if someone coughs or sneezes, their droplets will hit you.
Put your phone away
Although it sounds over the top, you need to pay attention to what is around you to stay safe. Electronic devices can make you lose your mind, get close to someone else, or make any mistake that puts you in danger. In addition, it is very possible that, in the rush, you will keep your mobile in your bag or backpack when you arrive at your stop and forget to disinfect it later. Cleaning mobile phones, tablets and laptops is essential, since they accumulate much more bacteria and dirt than we think. Even more than the toilet!
