Majority of train passengers wearing face masks as new rules come into force
At least 85 per cent of train passengers are following the new rules and wearing face coverings on trains in the West Midlands.
From today face coverings are compulsory for all public transport passengers, or people going into hospitals as visitors or outpatients, except children under the age of 11 and people with breathing difficulties and some other disabilities.
Early estimates were that at least 85 per cent of passengers trains were following the rules, West Midlands Railway said.
A West Midlands Railway spokesman said: “We are pleased an increased number of our customers have been wearing face coverings on trains today in line with the new rules. Early indications are that at least 85 per cent of travellers on the rail network are complying.
“We know it will take passengers some time to adjust to the new way of travelling which is why our initial focus is on education and guidance.
"We are also reminding passengers they should only use the train if their journey is necessary and they have no other means of transport.”
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Wolverhampton Council has created a step-by-step guide to show people how they can make their own face covering out of an old T-shirt. To download it, visit https://bit.ly/3dIjIed
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: "Face coverings do not replace social distancing, good hand washing and good hygiene as the most effective measures we should all adopt to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"However, if you do need to go out and about, please consider wearing a face covering if you are somewhere where you will be around other people – and remember that face coverings are mandatory in certain situations, including on public transport or if you are going to hospital, from today.
“Wearing one may not protect you, but it could help protect others if you have coronavirus but don't realise it."
To safely wear a face covering, people should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and taking it off, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth at all times, and wash it after every use. When taking the face covering off, do not touch the part that has been in contact with the nose or mouth. Used face coverings should be stored in a plastic bag until they can be washed.
Bal Kaur, director of public health at Dudley Council, said: "We are asking residents to play their part in the fight against this virus by adding appropriate use of face coverings to the other measures we have already put in place.
"Face coverings do not provide the wearer with complete protection and so I would remind everyone of the importance of continuing with strict social distancing and practising good hand hygiene at all times."
