[NEWS] Madrid will prohibit eating in the metro and buses to avoid contagion

[YaKuZa--BoSs]

 

Madrid will prohibit eating in the Metro and on all buses in the region to minimize the risk of contagion by coronavirus, according to sources from the Community of Madrid have advanced to EL MUNDO. At present, on EMT buses, as the mayor of the capital, José Luis Martínez Almeida, recalled today, it is already forbidden to eat food, but not on interurban buses.

The Ministry of Health thus agrees to the request of the Ministry of Transport and will include this measure in the order that includes the measures agreed on Friday by the Ministry of Health and all the autonomous communities in the Interterritorial Council, including the closure of nightlife and the prohibition of smoking on public roads.

The order will be published in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid in the next 48 hours, according to sources from the Ministry led by Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Asked about this order, the mayor himself has made it clear that the EMT is already forbidden to eat food. "It is not allowed to eat or drink on the EMT buses, therefore it is not allowed that to do this action one can remove that mask," he clarified.

Almeida wanted to send a "clear" message to the citizens: "it is not allowed to remove the mask on EMT buses".

In addition, he recalled that the EMT disinfects its buses daily and has indicated that using this service is "safe", does not involve additional risks and is a sign of commitment to sustainable mobility.

REINFORCEMENT IN TRANSPORTATION
Meanwhile, Madrid transport is preparing to strengthen its offer. Regarding the Metro, sources from Transport have explained, during the first fortnight of September an increase in the offer of 14.1% is expected on working days.

The EMT will also progressively increase the offer each week in September with the reincorporation of professional and academic activities.

However, the sources indicate, the Transport Consortium continuously monitors the evolution of mobility and demand to adjust the programmed offer to the real demand of travelers.

They also remember that they are complying with the indications of the health authorities that establish the mandatory use of a mask in public transport and that they establish an occupation of 100% of the seated places and of up to three people per square meter standing in the case of the spaces reserved for it.