05/10/2020 - 18:17
- Clarín.com
- Society
After the government announced the extension of the coronavirus quarantine until May 24, the Ministry of Transport released the new recommendations for essential users who cannot avoid using public transport.
Through a statement entitled "Protocol and Recommendations for the responsible use of public transport", the new directives based on the country's situation were announced, after the announcements made by Alberto Fernández last Friday.
The portfolio led by Mario Meoni reiterated the importance of minimizing the use of public transport , although he stressed that, if it is necessary to resort to it, it is essential to respect the social distance established by the health authorities.
The protocol for the use of public transport.
They clarified the necessity and the obligation of the use of homemade chinstrap or face mask throughout the country: "Users must use a protection element that covers the nose, mouth and chin to reduce the risks of infection, and when removing it, they must avoid contact of the interior part with any type of surface and with another part of the face that has been exposed . " They also recommend driving with open windows to ventilate the spaces .
"With respect to urban passenger motor transport, when the design of the unit allows it, the entry and exit of passengers is done through the rear doors of the unit; the first row of seats is disabled ; the driver has an isolation transparent physics to separate from passengers, "explained the Ministry.
The protocol for the use of public transport.
As for frequent train users, it is recommended to respect a meter and a half of distance between passengers on platforms and turnstiles. In the event that the formations are at their maximum capacity, it is recommended to replace it with the use of buses, since the possibility of having more units and frequencies of urban automotive transport facilitates the necessary social distance between passengers.
In turn, a contingency plan is being implemented with long-distance microphones if necessary at key stations according to the demand required.
Regarding the more than 2,000 units that offer service of combis or minibuses to connect Greater Buenos Aires with the City, they must follow a series of guidelines.
Among them there must be a maximum occupancy of 60%; all the occupants must wear masks or a homemade chinstrap and carry the certificate that accredits them as essential workers or the corresponding movement clearance; Vehicles must remove any fabric material found in the vehicle that could retain the virus in its fabric (curtains, net curtains, etc. ), except those used in seats and sides.
To avoid crowding of passengers at peak times, companies and businesses are advised to implement staggered working hours both at entry and at exit in activities except social, preventive and compulsory isolation. Many jurisdictions have already defined new schemes, so workers are encouraged to verify that information.
Following the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, in case of sneezing, do it in the elbow crease, wash your hands, with gel alcohol or soap and water, and always keep your distance from other passengers in line, platform and inside the units transport as an element of prevention itself and third parties by sharing a common environment such as public passenger transport.
Among the stipulated guidelines, the use of a chinstrap or face mask by the drivers and workers in the area was ruled; all units must keep the rooms ventilated; The frequency of cleaning and disinfection of units and stations should be increased; the supply of items for hand washing should be supervised; all personnel must be notified and trained regarding the protocols and regulations issued related to COVID-19; A contingency plan should be established that establishes places of isolation in case a suspected case is identified.
