Coronavirus: Is it safe to travel on the tube, bus and train during lockdown?

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Photos shared on social media showed packed tube carriages this week, prompting pleas from medical staff for people who don’t need to travel to stay off the network to prevent the further spread of Covid-19. “With public transport we usually refer to confined and particularly crowded environments where close contact between infected and healthy individuals is probable because of the high density of passengers, and also the possibility of touching potentially contaminated objects such as handles and seats.” What can you do to reduce the risk of catching coronavirus? “Washing hands thoroughly before and after using public transport is important, so for example before you leave the house and when you get to your destination,” says Dr Head. It is also very important for people to wash their hands regularly with either alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.” Other scientists have recommended avoiding touching armrests on trains and trying to stand up and sit down on the Tube without touching any bars or handles, as there is a risk in touching surfaces – especially plastic or metal, where Covid-19 lasts the longest – that an infected person may have coughed or breathed on.