Modelling shows how mitigation reduces COVID risk for rail passengers

The modelling found that risks were reduced when ventilation was good and passengers complied with COVID-19 mitigation measures, which included wearing a face covering or mask; maintaining a social distance from other travellers; regularly washing or sanitising hands; and encouraging people who had COVID-19 symptoms to stay at home.

Scientists and engineers from Leeds University, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Manchester University developed the model to identify the relative risks of the virus spreading on a mass transit system used for short commuter journeys.

In a statement, Leeds University’s Professor Cath Noakes, principal investigator on the study, said: “All environments where people interact together have a risk of virus transmission and public transport is no exception. Where journeys are short and not overcrowded, and the carriage is well ventilated, then the risks are likely to be quite low.

“Wearing a face covering can significantly reduce the risk of the virus spreading, particularly as it can be harder to socially distance in a Tube or subway carriage at certain times of the day.