Coronavirus In India: Important Things To Remember While Using Public Transport

While the new cases of infections have dropped dramatically in China, things look grim in other countries, especially in India and the US. Cases of people testing positive for the virus have been steadily rising in India and fear is palpable.

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For those unaware, as of now, India has reported 28 confirmed cases of coronavirus according to Union Minister for Health Dr Harsh Vardhan.

The 28 confirmed cases include three patients from Kerala who have already been discharged after their subsequent tests cleared them of the deadly Covid-19 disease that has claimed more than 3,000 lives and infected more than 90,000 people globally.

Amid the sudden outbreak, there are a thousand questions in everyone's mind, especially those who commute for work on a daily basis. During rush hour, commuters squeeze in to find any available space, with hands sharing poles and faces separated by inches using public transport can seem tricky right now.

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For those in India taking the metro, bus or opting for carpool, extra care should be taken. One must at all times follow these basic precautionary measures:

1. Always wear a face mask.

2. Carry a hand sanitizer at all times.

3. Cover your face or move at least three feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

4. Wear a glove if you have to hold handles in the metro or public bus.

5. Taking an auto for short distances is the best option.

Amid the outbreak in the US, New York Subway system started a major cleaning of all equipment that called for an industrial-grade disinfectant to be applied to everything from train cars to metro card machines every 72 hours.

New York's public transit system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's dep clean strategy involved disinfecting subway turnstiles, station handrails, MetroCard and ticket vending machines daily.

Hopefully, Indian Transport authority will also take a cue from the precautionary measures taken up by the New York transit system.

The crisis will pass,but I think it¡¯s making the world press a permanent ¡®Reset¡¯ button. 1) It¡¯ll accelerate working from home 2) lead to more digital ¡®virtual¡¯ conferences 3) More video calls, less meetings.4) Less air travel, leading to a greener footprint. Anything else? https://t.co/ISb2wNJpiD

¡ª anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) March 4, 2020

In the wake of the sudden outbreak, workplaces across the country have also taken necessary steps to ensure employee safety. Some companies might offer work from home. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, who has been vocal about COVID-19 ever since the news of the virus first broke speculated that the situation could accelerate the ¡®work from home¡¯ culture and lead to more virtual conferences.

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Here's a look at the WHO's recommendations to keep infection at bay while using public transport:

WASHING HANDS: While washing hands, use an alcohol-based rub or soap and water to kill the pathogen. Do this frequently.

COVER YOUR MOUTH WHILE COUGHING: Use a tissue, or your bent elbow, to cover your cough -- this keeps virus-infected droplets away from those around you. If you use a tissue, dispose of it quickly and safely.

SOCIAL DISTANCING: Stay at least 1 metre away from people coughing or sneezing to avoid inhaling droplets.

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE: If the virus has contaminated your hands after contact with another surface, it can infect you through your eyes, nose or mouth.

IF YOU ARE SICK: Here's a summary of WHO's advice for people living in areas where the coronavirus is spreading, or who've travelled to such places in the past two weeks. First and foremost, follow the hygiene measures above. If you're feeling under the weather, "even with mild symptoms such as headache and a slight runny nose", then stay home till you get better. If you have fever, cough and breathing difficulties, go see a doctor. Inform her (or him) about your travel history. Tell her if you've come into contact with other travellers who may be at risk.