Commuters Must Avoid Talking To Each Other On Public Transport, Not Even On Phones
Yesterday (19 May), Singaporeans rejoiced as the end of the ‘Circuit Breaker’ was confirmed for 1 Jun.
With more services resuming, more of us will be commuting, especially on public transport.
Image by MS News
Given the bigger crowds, social distancing may be limited on public transport, so Singaporeans have been advised to avoid talking on public transport as well.
Avoid talking on public transport
Minister Lawrence Wong made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday (19 May).
He explained that despite efforts to ramp up the capacity of trains and buses, managing crowds on public transport might still pose a challenge.
Safe distancing might not be feasible, so they turned to other means to keep public transport safe.
As such, commuters must avoid talking to each other, or on the phone, on public transport. This minimises the spread of potentially contagious aerosol droplets in the minimised space.
All commuters are still required to wear masks on public transport as well.
Maximum capacity of public transport
As mentioned previously, the capacity of public transport will be increased as well.
Minister of Transport Khaw Boon Wan took to Facebook to confirm this, assuring Singaporeans that the ministry would up the capacity of public transport to the maximum in anticipation of crowds.
He shared that cleaning of surfaces will be intensified, complementing the anti-microbial coating that will be applied on all frequently-touched surfaces, like lift buttons.
Still, he highlighted that commuters must avoid talking on public transport and continue to wear their masks, as well as observe good personal hygiene.
Staggered working hours for businesses
Minister Wong shared that businesses will be required to stagger their working hours as well, so that crowds will be reduced on public transport during peak periods.
Though community spread has been low recently, and commuters are at low risk on public transport, the proposed measures must still be observed until the situation eases.
Adjusting to life after ‘Circuit Breaker’
The end of ‘Circuit Breaker’ ‘breaks’ on 1 Jun marks Singapore’s long journey back to normalcy.
We don’t know how long it will take, so until then, we’ll just have to adhere to the regulations and stick to the measures to keep ourselves and others safe.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
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