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Transport operators should remind commuters not to talk to prevent spreading droplets

In a press conference on May 19 announcing Singapore’s exit from the circuit breaker from June 2, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong outlined various measures the Government is taking to minimise the threat of Covid-19 cross infection on public transport.

Commuters at Bishan MRT Station on May 19, 2020.

Commuters at Bishan MRT Station on May 19, 2020.

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In a press conference on May 19 announcing Singapore’s exit from the circuit breaker from June 2, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong outlined various measures the Government is taking to minimise the threat of Covid-19 cross infection on public transport.

Mr Wong, who co-chairs a multi-ministry task force handling the pandemic, noted that as safe distancing could be a challenge on some routes during peak hours, commuters will have to wear masks and are not to speak to one another, nor to speak on the phone, "so that they avoid spreading droplets while they are in an enclosed space".

A similar call by the Government urging commuters to refrain from excessive talking to prevent the spread of Covid-19 had been made earlier by Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on March 23. He said: "Talk softly, if you need to. The best, don't talk."

Talking increases the chance of the dispersion of droplets, a key mode of transmission of the virus that causes Covid-19.

However, a friend of mine who uses public transport daily as an essential worker and I have separately observed that there are many commuters still talking loudly on their phones or to each other. Some also chat on the phone for a prolonged period.

Obviously, they have not heeded the Government’s advice.

Transport operators have the responsibility to raise awareness for commuters to refrain from talking unless necessary.

There are many posters and announcements on the compulsory wearing of face masks and the need for safe distancing at MRT stations and inside the trains. We also see similar posters at bus-stops and inside buses.

But we don’t see posters or hear announcements asking commuters to refrain from talking, especially on their phones.

It is time for transport operators to step up measures to remind commuters about this.

Singaporeans are generally law-abiding, and such reminders will be helpful to get everyone to play their part in keeping the public transport system safe as Singapore moves into phase one of the resumption of activities from June 2.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number. 

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Covid-19 coronavirus public transport safe distancing circuit breaker mrt

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