If you’re looking to travel by train this wintertime, you’re probably wondering what you could do to keep safe from coronavirus. While it might feel like the world has returned to some kind of ‘normal’, it’s important to remember that the virus is still present and still very serious.
With the harsh cold weather settling in, people should be wary and take the necessary steps to keep themselves and other people safe – especially as a passenger on a train. Here is some top covid safety information and tips for people travelling by train this winter.
Book your train tickets in advance
If you know you’re travelling soon, try to plan early and book train tickets in advance. When you book a ticket in advance, you will more than likely receive a seat reservation (carriage and seat number) that will contribute to the social distancing procedures on your chosen train. Follow the rules and sit in your designated seat… because the rules are in place to keep you safe!
Wash or sanitise your hands regularly
There’s a reason this suggestion was enforced early on in the pandemic and hasn’t seemed to go anywhere… Frequent, thorough handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It can be difficult to wash your hands regularly when on the train – a confined space where you’re encouraged to stay in your seat – so instead be sure to carry a bottle of hand sanitiser with you and use it often.
Only travel if necessary
Wintertime is one of the busiest seasons for exciting events – Christmas and New Year being the most popular. While we understand that you probably don’t want to limit yourself and miss out on all the fun, a good piece of covid safety advice is to only travel by train if it’s necessary. Maybe there’s a Christmas party closer to home that only requires a bike ride instead of a train ride, and maybe it’s worth going to the New Year’s Eve party that’s only a walk away?
Keep your distance from others
At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, trains were operating at half of their normal capacity and there were longer trains to make it easier for people to socially distance. Now, the demand for trains has increased again which has ultimately made it much more difficult to keep your distance from others while travelling.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you won’t be sat next to – or in front of – somebody else, but you can make an effort to socially distance at the train station and on the aisles. Once you’re on and settled, try to minimise how many times you get up, and it’s always a good idea to keep your mask on.
