It may take a few weeks for the COVID-19 lockdown to finally end in several states of India, and people stuck at various corners of the country could start commuting again. Many districts and several areas in metro cities have turned into green zones, and with much research going on in different parts of the world, we are hoping the Coronavirus crisis will be over soon. However, once India returns to normalcy and people begin to travel, it’s important to take care of a few things while travelling in a bus post-lockdown. redBus has also taken the initiative called Safety+, which includes sanitized and deep-cleaned buses, masks for the bus staff, and hand sanitisers in all buses. However, we recommend a few precautionary measures for all passengers to ensure safe travel by bus post-COVID-19. Take a look!
1. Carry a hand sanitiser
redBus has decided to equip all the buses with hand sanitizers to help the passengers stay disinfected. However, carrying a small bottle of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the first and foremost step to prevent yourself from Coronavirus while traveling by bus. As you may not be able to wash your hand every now and then while traveling on the bus, you must keep the hand sanitizer handy in your carry-on bag.
2. Maintain social distancing inside the bus
When you’re out in public, there must be a 6-feet distance between people and yourself. With bus operators planning a slew of restrictive measures in the allotment of seats inside the bus, you’re also requested to stay away from large crowds and maintain the mandatory distance for safe travels post COVID-19.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Touching our face is a habit that makes human beings susceptible during a pandemic. Studies show that our eyes, nose, and mouth are gateways for viruses and bacteria to enter our bodies. We are most likely to touch things in our surrounding environment while traveling, and by touching the face, we become prone to infect ourselves with the virus. To avoid the risk, avoid touching your face!
4. Wash hands whenever possible
According to the guidelines released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India, cleaning hands at regular intervals is an extremely important step to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. You can consider washing your hands whenever your bus stops for a break. Washing hands must be done properly by applying a generous amount of soap and rubbing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds.
5. Practice respiratory etiquettes
By following good respiratory etiquettes, you can prevent the people around you from catching Coronavirus. Follow these three steps while practicing: First, cover your nose and mouth with tissue while sneezing or coughing or do it in a bent elbow. Second, dispose of the tissue after the use in the nearest no-touch receptacle. Third, wash your hands thoroughly with soap or apply hand sanitizer.
6. Do not touch anything unessential in the bus
While we understand all the basics- it’s necessary to take some extra preventive steps while traveling on bus post COVID-19. Avoid touching the surfaces and objects in the bus or anything outside as they may carry germs and viruses. You may also consider wearing disposable gloves for safe travels.
7. Check if the bus and seats are clean
Your bus and the seats need to be deep cleaned and sanitized before every trip. As you board the bus, confirm with your bus operator or the staff if the bus was cleaned properly. However, if you find the bus or your seat unclean, report to the staff immediately.
8. Do not travel with symptoms
Medical researches show that most of the COVID infected patients have symptoms like high fever, fatigue, muscle ache, shortness of breath, dry cough, headache, etc. All are advised to stay in self-isolation during the incubation period (14 days) if you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms and postpone your travel plans.
9. Carry soaps, linens, and blankets
redBus has made hand sanitizers available in all the buses to ensure hygienic travel and safety onboard. However, it is recommended that you carry your personal hand sanitizer and soap so that it can be handy for use. Also, make sure to carry a blanket and linen since bus operators wouldn’t be providing the same according to the new COVID safe travels guidelines.
10. Keep the helpline numbers handy
The Government of India has released helpline numbers for each state. You can download this state-wise list of helpline numbers, keep it handy, and use it if any assistance is required. If you’ve got the slightest reason to believe that you’ve been exposed to the virus, please feel free to ask for help and go for a test.
11. Make sure to attend the thermal screening
Thermal screening helps check the variation in body temperature so that, if detected, an individual can be further tested for Coronavirus. Please do not hesitate to attend the regular thermal checks by the bus staff.
12. Wear masks mandatorily
It’s considered that even an asymptomatic person can transfer Coronavirus. Therefore, the Government has made it mandatory to wear a mask whenever you go outside. We also recommend carrying a sanitizing wipe so that you can clean your face while removing and reusing the mask.
13. Do not travel to risk-prone areas
The Indian government has categorized several towns and areas into specific zones (green, orange, red) based on the intensity and risk of the pandemic. It’s quite likely that even after the transportation begins to operate, some areas would still be tagged ‘risky’ or ‘quarantine zones.’ For safety reasons, avoid traveling to risk-prone areas post lockdown.
From deep cleaned buses and hand sanitizers to regular temperature checks and the bus staff wearing masks, redBus is taking care of several precautionary measures to ensure safe travels for passengers. However, if you must travel post lockdown, travel responsibly as much as possible. Please adhere to the government guidelines while traveling on the bus and stay safe.
