Public told to wear masks on the Metro

PASSENGERS on the Tyne and Wear Metro, buses, and the Shields Ferry have been urged to wear face coverings from now on.

Under new coronavirus lockdown rules issued by the Government, people are now being told to wear a face covering if possible when in confined public spaces, such as some shops and on public transport.

Metro operator Nexus said wearing a face covering is a “small step we can all take to help fight coronavirus” and confirmed it was now issuing protective visors for its own frontline staff.

People have been urged not to buy medical-standard masks, which are needed for frontline health and care workers, but instead make their own cloth coverings at home.

Huw Lewis, Nexus customer services director, said that signs are also being installed at Metro stations to help passengers stay two metres apart.

He added: “People should avoid using public transport and only make essential journeys, but if you need to travel then we want to make sure you can do so with confidence.

“Our message is to follow what the Government says, wear a face covering when using public transport, as you should in other confined spaces including some shops.

“This is a small step we can all take to help fight coronavirus, by reducing the chance of passing infection to other people.

“Passengers should continue to keep two metres from other people as much as possible, with face covering – such as a scarf or mask – providing an extra layer of protection when it is not always possible to do this.

“We are making sure stations, Metro trains and the Shields Ferry are cleaned to the highest standard, and that there is clear information on how to distance as you travel; bus companies are doing the same.

“We are following Government advice closely to provide Covidsecure environments for our passengers throughout public transport.”

Metro bosses said that there was not a spike in passenger numbers on Monday morning, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday night that some people should go back to work if they cannot work from home.

Public transport passenger numbers in Tyne and Wear are now said to be at around 7% of normal levels.

The government said that wearing face coverings will not act as a replacement for observing more important social distancing measures and regular handwashing.

Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer, said: “Wearing a face covering is an added precaution, that may have some benefit in reducing the likelihood that a person with the infection passes it on. The most effective means of preventing the spread of this virus remains following social distancing rules and washing your hands regularly. It does not remove the need to self-isolate if you have symptoms.”

According to Government guidance, face covering should not be worn by small children or those who would find it difficult to manage them correctly.