Health bosses warn over risk of car sharing during virus

Advice for those sharing a car to work on how to stay safe

ADVICE for car sharers about ways to keep safe is now available, says the county council.

Working closely with the Leicester & Leicestershire Economic Partnership (LLEP), the council has developed materials, which are being shared with local businesses via the LLEP, Leicester City Council as well as district councils.

National advice is to try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or support bubble, while recognising this isn’t always possible.

Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for health, said: “Although, we are encouraging people not to car share if possible, we know that for some it is essential, particularly when travelling to work, so want to encourage them to take the necessary safety measures.

“Evidence suggests that the virus is less likely to be passed on outdoors and in well-ventilated buildings - so by taking these few simple steps we hope to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Some of the suggested measures to take are:

If possible, share the transport with the same people each time;

Keep to small groups of people at any one time;

Open windows for ventilation;

Travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow;

Face away from each other; Consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle;

Clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products - make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch;

Ask the driver and passengers to wear a face covering

Drivers should also be reminded to expect more pedestrians and cyclists, especially at peak times of day. Where possible, allow other road users to maintain social distancing. For example, give cyclists space at traffic lights.

The information is available in nine different languages and can be downloaded online at https:// www.leicestershire.gov.uk/prevent-the-spread-of-the-virus