The ongoing pandemic caused by COVID-19 has covered the center stage all across the globe. Due to the constraints imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus, there was a complete shutdown of public transport. Here are a few reasons for it:
Crowded Places
Social distancing is the best way to stop the spreading of the disease. As a matter of fact, this is a human-to-human transmission virus. Public transportation modes compel people to come in close contact that may upsurge the threat. According to a study by Washington D.C., merely three infected persons can undesirably affect over 55% of the total passengers.
Transmission through Cash Exchange
Exchanging cash to purchase a token for traveling through public transport can be a cause of spread. While exchanging coins, cards, or notes, might lead to contracting an infected person. Prefer contactless payments through cards, and online payments to make the process easier and safer.
Infection can Spread via Touching Surface
There are more likelihoods of transmission while touching hand railings, push buttons on lifts, grab rails on the seatbacks, stanchion poles, etc. As infected asymptomatic people can release infected droplets on such surfaces.
Improper Sanitization
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There is no provision of continuous sanitization of doors, seats, railings, and more. This may obstruct the measures to contain the pandemic.
Spread due to Centralized A.C.s
Moreover, with the installation of centralized air conditioners in buses and metros, passengers can inhale the infected air. If a single person discharges particles that are infected it stays in the room for longer. As there is no ventilation, these indoor A.C.s may blowout the infection all around.
Improper Ventilation
Sometimes ventilation conditions are not appropriate due to lack of infrastructure. For instance, a lack of oxygen in swarming buses can cause breathlessness and unconsciousness that may affect an individual’s health and immunity.
Unhygienic Conditions
The lack of proper hygienic toilets can breed the virus immensely. It is better to stay away from crowded and places that are bound to be unhygienic. As sanitation is an imperative step that needed to be taken into consideration to stop the infection.
People already suffering from respiratory diseases can be more prone to COVID-19 infections. Easy targets of the virus are children and the old-aged. They should be extra cautious. Some particular age groups, such as children under the age of 11, are exempted to wear masks in the U.K. that can deteriorate the conditions.
Social Impacts
The behavioral habits of people from diverse regions can impact the co-passengers. Sometimes negative thoughts may take control over one’s positivity and people can lose their strength to fight the pandemic.
Economic Impacts
Coronavirus has impacted the income of people adversely. However, some people believe that public fare is too high and avoid traveling through public transit. Hence, it is better to avoid traveling unnecessarily to save money and life.
Breeding at Water Collecting Points
Water dispensing points in public transit, bus stops, metro stations, etc. It can be a cause of spread as the spilled water can also breed infectious diseases on the surface.
Hotspots at Eatable Stores
The stores where people purchase eatables for transit can become a hotspot as several people contact directly with the sellers. If an infected person exchanges cash or products, there will be no delay in spreading the infection all across.
People’s Behavior
Some passengers possess unhygienic behavior such as uncovering mouths while sneezing, lacking habits of frequent hand-washing, and so on. People should avoid coming into contact with such people.
Switching from public transport to own vehicles may lead to congested roads, harmful emissions, and a polluted environment. But, the health safety in cars during the coronavirus pandemic cannot be ignored. Therefore it is better to avoid unnecessary travel and staying home is of paramount importance to protect yourself from a deadly virus.
Read more COVID-related content, here.
