The government has announced that office workers can go back to work at the discretion of their employer from the 1 August.  But official government advice is still urging office workers to work from home if we can.  While many of us will continue to do so – what happens if your home circumstances suddenly change? As I’ll be facing this very predicament shortly, here are my top tips for staying safe during Coronavirus while riding the tube to work. 

Stay safe by avoiding busy times

During my halcyon pre-lockdown days, I used to beat the crowds by jumping on the tube at 7.00am.  To avoid the scrum later on, I would dash out of the office at 4.30pm and would nearly always secure a seat at Moorgate.  However times have changed.  The peak hours are now from 5.45am – 8.15am and 4.00-5.30pm.   As a result, I now plan to work from 10.15am-6.15pm.  I would much prefer to start and finish earlier but in these strange times, we all have to adapt.  Travelling during quieter times reduces the risks of cramped compartments and limited scope for social distancing.  If you can find a seat, it means reduced proximity to others and eliminates the need to touch anything in the carriage.

Social distance where possible

To socially distance on the tube, there can only be twenty people per carriage. During peak rush hour pre-lockdown there were 125 passengers per carriage. At present, tube capacity is around 20% but this may rise as we head into autumn.   On my occasional tube journeys of late, I’ve always managed to find seats two metres apart from other passengers.  If there are no seats, try and find space near doors or windows and where possible open the windows to allow greater ventilation.  If carriages are busy, consider jumping off a few stops earlier and walking / renting a bike to make tube journeys shorter.

Wear face coverings to stay safe

As we’re all well aware face coverings on the tube are now mandatory and failure to cover your face could land you a fine of £100.00.  There’s a huge range of face coverings available. Choose from sleek black mesh through to functional surgical or pretty paisley patterns.  It doesn’t really matter what one you choose as long as you remember to bring it with you. Masks aim to protect other passengers from airborne transmission which is the biggest concern when travelling in such cramped confines.  If someone sits near me without a face covering, I always move away. I do this not only for my own safety but to send a clear message to others.

Avoid touching anything

Transport for London has taken strong measures to implement industrial-style disinfectant in carriages. While these precautions are reassuring – the main aim of the game is to not touch anything during your journey.  As mentioned above, travelling during quieter times will reduce the need to hold onto poles to stay stable during your journey.  Cover your hands when opening doors or use your knuckles rather than your fingers. Always keep your face mask on during the whole journey to avoid touching your face.  On average we touch our face sixteen times every hour. And the nose and mouth are the quickest routes to coronavirus transmission. If you can’t wear a face mask for health reasons, consider wearing gloves or holding an object in your hands to distract you from touching your face.

Sanitise before and after leaving the platform

Hand sanitisers have also been added to the entrances of many underground stations.  Taking a squirt before and after leaving the station should become as normal as checking your Oyster card balance.  Regularly cleansing your hands prevents transmission and is a vital step in keeping everyone safe on the underground.

By being mindful of these simple measures every time we travel, we’re collectively helping every passenger to stay safe on the tube.