After two years into the pandemic, most of us are still working from home. However, nowadays, we start to leave our homes to continue our daily activities by implementing New Habit Adaptation (IMR). In continuing our activities, some people choose to use public transportation because it is considered more efficient and can reduce congestion that occurs. Well, to stay safe in carrying out daily activities, we must protect ourselves by taking several preventive measures against the Covid-19 virus.
The research in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases (2020) states that people who use public transportation have a higher risk of contracting infections than people who use private transportation.1 This happens because the use of public transportation can cause crowds and trigger the spread of Covid-19. Therefore, the government began adding rules by limiting the capacity of the public in using public transportation, which is 50% of the maximum capacity, and imposing a requirement to have received the Covid-19 vaccine for passengers in certain areas.2
Although the government has issued new regulations, we as public transportation users also need to implement several steps to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus while using public transportation.
Here are the steps that can be applied:3
- Make sure you are in good health when you leave the house.
- Use a double mask.
Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the use of double masks is more effective in preventing the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. The correct use of a double mask is to use a medical mask as the first layer and continue using a cloth mask. - Wash hands with soap.
When you arrive at your destination, immediately wash your hands using running water and soap for 20-60 seconds. - Make sure to bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant products.
Prepare products that are practical for traveling, such as disinfectant wet wipes, disinfectant spray for clothes/fabric, and disinfectant for cutlery. We never know if there is a virus on the items we touch, but always clean your hands after touching objects/surfaces on public transportation. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. - Choose a quiet transportation schedule or avoid peak hours.
Nowadays, there are several public transportation arrival schedules that can be detected through gadgets. Therefore, if you still have free time, take the time to monitor the arrival schedule of the transportation to be used. - Keep your distance from other passengers.
Make sure to have a distance of about 2 meters (or 6 feet) from other passengers. - Go cashless if possible.
Using cash can spread the virus as it passes from one hand to another. Make sure to use hand sanitizer when you're done handling money. - Bring your own helmet.
If you are using public transportation, such as online motorcycle taxis, try to bring your own helmet to avoid the virus from sticking to it due to changing helmets with other passengers.
By implementing these steps, it is hoped that we can do outdoor activities comfortably and safely.
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