PHE advice to transport sector

Public Health England (PHE) has published advice about social distancing and other measures tailored to the transport sector. It is hoped this advice will help employers protect their workforce and customers from coronavirus while still continuing to trade.

It says social distancing should be maintained where possible but recognises that on many forms of transport, staff will not always be able to stay 2m apart. It suggests that if workers have to share enclosed spaces such as the cabs of vehicles, they should keep the window open for ventilation and they should be careful to avoid touching their face at all times.

On leaving the enclosed space, they should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more or use hand sanitiser when they cannot wash their hands.

For the use of private vehicles or when car pooling, if the journey is essential and there is no option but to share a car with people who are not part of the same household, journeys should be shared with the same individuals and with the minimum number of people at any one time.

Good ventilation and facing away from each other may help to reduce the risk.

Private vehicles that are used by people from multiple households should be cleaned regularly using gloves and standard cleaning products with particular emphasis on handles and other areas where passengers may touch surfaces.

More information on different scenarios and advice can be found here.