By Dr Sandeep Patil, Chief Intensivist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan
The wait is finally over, Mumbai’s lifeline – our local trains will resume for all fully vaccinated citizens from August 15, 2021. This brings a new lease of life to officegoers and workers who spent months finding alternative ways to commute to their workplaces.
Previously, the train services were only open to civic employees and essential service staff. As per the latest state government mandate, local trains will run for the general public only when vaccinated with two doses against COVID19. Every commuter must maintain a gap of 14 days after the second dose to travel via local trains. Individuals will need a rail pass to board the local trains, which you can register for on a specially created app. You can either collect it from the ward offices or download it from the app.
While this news brings hope for life getting back to normal, we cannot let our guards down, especially in view of the potential third wave. Travelling in local trains in Mumbai isn’t a cakewalk. It involves close contact with several people and increases one’s risk of contracting COVID19. As eager as people are to travel on trains again, they need to be conscious of their health and take appropriate preventive measures.
BEFORE TRAVEL:
- Register for the railway pass on the app and download it. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can collect it from your municipal ward office or the nearest railway station
- Always wear double masks, carry a hand sanitiser, a few disinfectant wipes and spray with you. Make sure to carry a few extra masks in a sealed bag
- Wear gloves before stepping out. Before you travel, wash your hands with soap water and then wear your masks. Once worn, don’t touch or remove them until you arrive at your destination
DURING TRAVEL:
- Follow the government mandate strictly. Stand at least 6 feet apart from other commuters and avoid gathering in groups. Follow signages put out by the railway authorities indicating where to stand, sit, queue-up and the exit signs
- Avoid touching surfaces such as ticket machines, handrails, elevator buttons and as much as possible. If you do touch these surfaces, immediately wash your hands with soap water or use a sanitiser containing 60% alcohol
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the public bathroom
- Avoid spitting and littering
UPON GETTING TO WORK:
- After reaching your workplace, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands from time to time during the day
- Remove the masks you wore during your travel and replace it with a fresh ones. The previously worn masks can be placed in a sealed bag to wash or dispose
- Avoid over-crowding at cafeterias and maintain a safe distance. If possible, avoid eating together during break time
Following all COVID19 protocols, precautions and hygiene etiquettes will keep you safe even if you get exposed to the virus.
