Corona risk in the subway? The expert reveals when you should "definitely sit down" - tips for commuters

A virologist from Munich explains in an interview how you can best protect yourself against infection with the coronavirus on buses and trains.

• Is the risk of

  infection with the coronavirus

  particularly high

  in local public transport

  ?

• The autumn break in the city will end next week - and the

  means of transport

  will be full.

• A Munich

  virologist

  explains to us whether you should avoid traveling by bus, tram or train.

Munich - The fear of a possible infection with the

is great - especially when you get on the bus or subway.

In April, only 27 percent of passengers used local transport.

But how high is the risk really?

With

from the

.

Munich: increased risk of corona infection in the subway?

Interview with virologist

Dr.

Hoffmann, how high is the risk of infection in public transport?

Are there any studies on this?

Dieter Hoffmann:

There are no direct studies.

But indoor aerosol contamination was investigated.

And you know that the droplets - depending on their size - can stay in the air longer.

This applies to interiors as a whole.

So also for public transport.

It is therefore important to cover your mouth and nose to reduce aerosols.

Is the risk of being infected with the corona virus higher in restaurants than in local public transport?

Hoffmann:

In principle, one cannot say that one has a higher risk of infection than the other.

The distances can certainly be kept better in gastronomy.

The advantage in trains and buses, however, is that the masks are worn continuously.

And it also depends on how long someone is on the road in local transport.

Most of the time it's only brief.

Munich and the MVV: Avoid corona infection - if in doubt, better to run away

Which rules should you follow?

Hoffmann:

There are many points.

In any case, keep a distance of at least one and a half meters.

If the distance cannot be maintained, you can try to sit by a window so that you can only have contacts from one side.

If someone has

such as coughing or runny nose, it is advisable to sit down.

The holding devices should also be avoided if possible.

Tight fitting masks are also very important.

And you shouldn't put your hands in your face.

Should commuters rather wait for the next subway when another one is overcrowded?

Hoffmann:

I cannot assess that.

That depends, for example, on how long I've been in this subway or S-Bahn.

If it's only a few minutes, then it's different from driving it for an hour.

Should there be a maximum number of passengers?

Hoffmann:

I don't know how it would be implemented in practice.

You'd have to count the people and that seems very difficult to me.

That would be easier on the bus.

But it would be worth considering.

I would definitely recommend it.

Munich: traveling by subway despite Corona?

The expert advises

Should older people and risk groups currently avoid public transport?

Hoffmann:

Yes.

Immunocompromised or elderly people should think carefully about how to get where.

It is better to have your own car or if family members drive the person.

Of course, cycling is also an alternative to public transport, as there is no risk of infection there.

How could one make public transport safer?

Hoffmann:

If it is possible, it should be aired.

Because air exchange is important because the aerosols are transported out and outside air never contains a high number of viruses.

School starts again on Monday and there will be more commuters.

Are you worried about the day?

Hoffmann:

When more people are on the road again, the risk of infection increases *.

If possible, employees should be offered a home office.

Interview: Franziska Florian * tz.de is an offer from the Ippen Digital Network

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