Transportation: Getting Around During An Outbreak

You'll have less exposure to germs if you drive your own car, ride a bike, or walk to work. But what should you do if you have to take public transportation? And how safe is ride-sharing? Here's a guide to getting around safely.

Trains and Buses

To protect everyone who rides, stay at home if you're sick. Don't ride public transportation if you have symptoms or you know you've been around someone with COVID-19. It's possible to spread the virus once you're infected, even if you don't show symptoms.

Wear a face mask when you’re around other people. Even though the CDC says that those vaccinated don't need a mask, they are required on public transportation and in many businesses. If you have to cough or sneeze during your ride, do it into a tissue or your sleeve to avoid spreading your germs to the other passengers.

Travel at off-peak times when you can -- like late morning or before evening rush hour. Avoid subway cars and buses packed with people. If you count more than 10-15 passengers on your bus or train, wait for the next one. Leave an empty seat between you and the next passenger.

Try not to hold onto the metal subway pole. Coronaviruses can live on metal surfaces for up to 5 days. If you have to touch the pole, use a tissue or cleanse your hands immediately afterwards. Transit systems have stepped up their efforts to clean and disinfect train cars and buses, but it can be hard to know when yours was last scrubbed down.

As soon as you get home or to the office, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t do that, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Don't touch your face until after you've cleaned your hands.

Ride-Sharing

People who don't own a car may rely on ride-sharing services to get around. These services have already made changes in response to COVID-19, like canceling carpools and requiring face masks. They've also given drivers disinfectants to keep their cars clean. They might also temporarily suspend the accounts of drivers who’ve been exposed to COVID-19, have tested positive, or refuse to wear a mask.

For the driver's safety, don't ride if you feel sick. Even if you're healthy, sit in the back to keep some distance between you and the driver. Wear a cloth face mask, and wash your hands as soon as you can after your ride.

Air Travel

The CDC recommends that you check before traveling to see if COVID-19 is spreading at your destination. If it is, you may want to postpone your trip -- especially if you're over 60 or at a higher risk for a severe illness because of a condition like heart disease or diabetes. Some areas are requiring proof of negative tests and even proof of vaccination.

If you're healthy, your risk of catching the virus on a plane is pretty low. The air on planes goes through a filter that catches most viruses and other germs. To be safe, carry disinfectant wipes, and clean off your seat and tray table before you sit down.

Wear a cloth face mask when you’re in airports and on planes, as well. All airlines currently require anyone over the age of 2 to wear them.

You're more likely to get infected if you sit close to someone who is sick. If someone near you is coughing or looks ill, ask the flight attendants to move you or that person to a seat at least 6 feet away.

Driving

When you drive, you’ll need to refuel. That means you'll have to use gas pumps and credit card keypads that other people have touched.

To protect yourself, carry a pair of disposable gloves in your car. Put them on before you pay or pump gas. Or use a disinfecting wipe to clean off the pump handle and keypad. After you finish pumping gas, wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

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