Metro mask mandate on the horizon: Covid-19 concerns resurface in Bengaluru

As Covid-19 cases begin to rise again in Karnataka, Bengaluru has emerged as a hotspot with the highest number of reported cases. This has reignited discussions around reinstating strict preventive measures in public spaces, particularly in high-density, enclosed environments such as metro trains and air-conditioned (AC) buses.

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Health experts and some passengers alike are urging the government to consider making masks mandatory in Bengaluru’s Namma Metro and AC buses. The rationale stems from the high transmission risk in these environments, where social distancing is nearly impossible. On average, eight lakh people travel on the city’s metro system daily. The enclosed spaces, especially in AC settings with limited ventilation, increase the chances of rapid virus spread.

Medical professionals highlight that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing viruses are expelled and can remain airborne within a six-foot radius for some time. These droplets can be inhaled by nearby passengers, leading to infections. Additionally, virus-laden droplets settling on surfaces or objects can be transferred to others who touch them and subsequently touch their nose or mouth.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has acknowledged the recommendations from health experts and indicated that any decision on enforcing a mask mandate will align with government directives. In light of the highly contagious nature of the virus and the unique challenges of high-density, enclosed spaces like metro trains and AC buses, experts stress the urgency of reinstating mandatory mask usage.

With Covid-19’s re-entry into the state, the focus is now on preventing further community transmission. Authorities are deliberating on proactive measures to safeguard public health, especially in settings where maintaining social distancing is impractical.