Face coverings must be worn on public transport from today - The Coventry Observer

Face coverings must be worn on public transport from today

Coventry Editorial 15th Jun, 2020 Updated: 15th Jun, 2020   0

FACE coverings must be worn on public transport in England from today (Monday June 15).

Main stations across Network Rail’s North West and Central region – Birmingham New Street, London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street – are equipped with face covering vending machines, hand sanitiser stations and new signage to make sure all passengers making essential journeys can travel safely.

Government guidance is to avoid public transport and only travel by train if you absolutely have to – and if you do, wear a face covering, avoid peak times if possible and maintain a two-metre distance from other passengers.

Rather than protecting the wearer, evidence suggests face coverings can protect other people from someone who may be infected.




Jake Kelly, passenger director for Network Rail’s North West & Central region, said: “I’d like to thank all our passengers for doing their bit and avoiding train travel during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Moving past Covid-19 requires a national team effort. Each of us must do our bit. That includes wearing face coverings and staying two metres apart from other passengers and station staff if at all possible.


“As we enter this new phase, it is perhaps more important than ever for each of us to be safe, be patient and be kind.”

“There may be medical or other reasons why people can’t wear a face covering. In that case, our staff will be reasonable and kind. Our priority is simply to keep passengers and staff safe.”

Network Rail’s managed stations throughout the North West and Central region have implemented a variety of safety measures for passengers who do need to travel.

Birmingham New Street:

• Floor markings throughout to help with social distancing

• Queuing and one-way systems available if needed to help keep passengers safe

• Vending machines selling face masks

• Hand sanitiser stations and wash basins for passengers

• Additional staff on hand to assist and help keep passengers safe

Liverpool Lime Street:

• Signage throughout the station to help passengers navigate safely

• Queuing and one-way systems to ensure social distancing measures can be upheld

• Increased staffing levels to oversee safe travel for passengers

London Euston:

• Signage across the station, incl. 2m distance floor vinyls

• Two Perspex free-standing podiums on main concourse operated by staff with face masks available (increased to 10 podiums by the end of the week)

• Hand sanitiser stations on main concourse

• Increase in staff numbers from Monday, including BTP

• One-way queueing systems prepared to keep passengers safe

• Dedicated isolation room for suspected COVID cases

• Face mask vending machine being installed this week

• New medic buggy in action to support any first aid needs

Manchester Piccadilly:

• Signage throughout the station to help passengers navigate safely

• 60+ hand sanitiser stations with a one-way system

• From 7am – 10pm, staff will be present at each station entrance with a supply of face coverings for passengers who don’t have one

• All station staff, train operating staff, and retail staff will be wearing face coverings.

• Increased staffing levels to oversee safe travel for passengers

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