On May 4, many of us will be able to start moving again, at least for the permitted reasons. But how? One of the great dilemmas of Phase 2 is in fact that of mobility and above all of public transport, which represent the highest degree of risk for the spread of the virus: closed environments, often narrow and most often overcrowded. For those who have a private car or can move on foot or by bike, no problem, but for everyone else? Indeed, Monday 4th May almost 3 million Italians will go back to leaving home for work (but not only that, travel in general will be more tolerated): the password will continue to be the same and that is social distancing, as well as protective devices such as strictly mandatory masks and gloves.
"The next step will mobilize between 2,7 and 2,8 million Italians," he said the head of the task force Vittorio Colao. But the supply of masks itself is not so obvious: Commissioner Domenico Arcuri has announced that 4 million masks are currently being delivered a day, but 4 million will be needed for the restart on May 7th. And it won't be enough anyway.
BUS
Public transport will have to be sanitized and sanitized constantly, and where possible dispensers with disinfectant solutions must be installed for passengers. It could then be limited ticket sales to respect the distance of at least one meter between people: in buses for example, it will no longer be possible to stand holding on to the handrails, but only to sit, getting on one at a time and only from the central and rear doors, to protect the drivers.
It is also probable that it will be necessary to wait for the bus in line at the stop, keeping a meter distance between waiting passengers there too. In some cities, such as Rome, passenger counters are being set up on board the buses and the journeys on the most popular lines are increasing. There are even private companies that have contacted private transport companies to organize shuttle services reserved for employees, avoiding to expose them on public transport.
METRO AND TRAINS
Distance of at least one meter on trains for passengers and traveling staff, including drivers, or for those who have relations with the public. The use of personal protective equipment is foreseen for the staff, the prohibition of any close contact with customers, the security monitoring of the stations and passenger flows, in compliance with the prescribed safety distance. Restrictions on the maximum number of passengers allowed in the common waiting areas and suspension of the passenger reception service on board the train.
Again obviously obligation for passengers to wear gloves and masks, and the vehicles must be sanitized, sanitized and disinfected daily. In the presence on board of passengers with symptoms attributable to the coronavirus, the railway police and the health authorities must be immediately informed. Anyone on board with fever, rhinitis, fever or conjunctivitis must immediately wear a mask and be isolated. An algorithm has been developed on high-speed trains to ensure spacing.
TAXI
Strict rules also for taxis, where it is forbidden to sit next to the driver. Only two passengers will be able to get on board in the back seat. A plexiglass divider will become mandatory – for now blocked by bureaucracy – with an opening to allow payment and deliver the payment receipt. In the event of a distance of less than one metre, the driver must wear protective gear. And, again, the obligation to sanitize the cars.
PLANES
By plane, a distance of at least one meter. Limited tickets to observe the distance of at least one meter between passengers. Employees who should come into contact with passengers must wear masks, disposable gloves and, on the advice of the competent doctor, additional devices such as protective glasses. The aim is also to separate passengers by eliminating intermediate seats. There is also a sort of plastic shield to separate passengers.
SHIPS
Avoid congestion and crowding. Avoid contact between ground staff and on-board staff and in any case maintain the interpersonal distance of at least one meter. If this is not possible, the staff must present themselves with gloves and a mask and any other additional safety device deemed necessary. On board, materials are available to passengers and staff to ensure correct and constant hygiene and hand cleaning, with ad hoc disinfectant dispensers and relative refills. Increased cleaning services, also using specific machinery that allows disinfection of the on-board rooms. In the units used by passengers and in public places, particular cleaning of buttons, handles, or tables.
