Airlines and other travel providers have made moves to
reassure customers of their safety when travelling amid growing fears of the
coronavirus pandemic.
Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Jetblue, American Airlines,
Lufthansa and many other carriers have released statements detailing their regular
aircraft cleaning procedures and what they are doing to step up health
precautions in light of the situation.
Some, such as Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines, have
said they are increasing the frequency of “deep clean” procedures on aircraft
in addition to their regular turn-around cleaning following each flight. This
includes hard surfaces such as tray tables and armrests, but will also cover
seats, seatback pockets, floors, toilets and galleys.
Most commercial aircraft are fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate
Air (HEPA) filters to remove dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses, which
Lufthansa said means the air onboard planes often meets hospital operating room
standards.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa said it is providing cabin crew and staff
at selected airports with respiratory masks.
The statements come after many global airlines began waiving
change fees for passengers who wish to delay their travel until later in the
year.
Ground transportation providers are also communicating the
steps they are taking during the outbreak. Uber has announced it will suspend
the account of any user that is confirmed to have contracted or been in contact
with someone with Covid-19, including drivers. Drivers and couriers who have
been asked to self-isolate by public health authorities will be given financial
assistance for up to 14 days while their account is on hold. The firm will be
working with authorities to determine where accounts need to be suspended.
In addition, the company is working with manufacturers to
supply drivers with disinfectants to help them ensure their vehicles are clean,
with those in the most-affected areas given priority.
In the UK, Transport for London (TfL) announced Monday that
it is implementing enhanced cleaning on London Underground, Overground and TfL
Rail trains, as well as buses and river transport. This includes the use of
anti-viral and anti-bacterial cleaners on commonly-touched areas such as poles,
doors and armrests. It will also begin using a longer-lasting cleaning agent
that it said provides anti-viral protection for up to 30 days.
Public health authorities have issued several pieces of
advice for the entire world to follow to protect themselves from Covid-19, including
increased hand washing, particularly after taking public transport and before
eating, and using a tissue or sleeve to catch coughs and sneezes to avoid
particles infecting others.