Prime minister Boris Johnson has advised people return to work if they can but to avoid public transport as the first measures to lift the lockdown are announced.
However, he has been heavily criticised for not providing enough guidance for those who have to use public transport for work. Union leaders and the former chair of the transport select commitee Lilian Greenwood questioned whether a proper risk assessment had been carried out.
In a speech to the nation on Sunday night, Mr Johnson said: 'We said that you should work from home if you can and only go to work if you must.
'We now need to stress that anyone who can't work, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work and we want it to be safe for you to go to work so you should avoid public transport if at all possible because we must and will maintain social distancing.'
As part of the 'phased reopening', schools non-essential shops and outlets may begin to open on 1 June, however a five stage 'alert level' is being used to monitor the measures, which could be withdrawn if the infection rate of the virus increases.
The Government hopes to reopen at least some of the hospitality industry and public places but this happen by July at the earliest.
The messaging has been labelled chaotic and confusing by some and has been rejected by the devolved nations. Westminster has replaced 'stay home, protect the NHS, save lives' with "stay alert, control the virus, save lives'.
Leaders of the UK’s three devolved nations, who said they were not consulted over the change, have confirmed they wil continue to tell people to 'stay at home'.
The announcement has already seen a significant increase in ridership on the London Underground, raising serious concerns about safety for staff and passengers. Transport for London has said face masks should be worn on the Tube.
Unions and the transport passenger watchdog, Transport Focus, have also previously raised alarm.
Transport Focus had called for reassurances for passengers 'as three in five (62 per cent) say they wouldn’t feel comfortable using public transport unless social distancing is in place'.
It added that 'nearly two thirds said they expect social distancing to be in place on transport after lockdown restrictions are lifted'.
Transport Focus and London TravelWatch called on the government and the transport industry to outline how they will reassure passengers that it will be safe as possible to travel by public transport.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: 'After months of being told not to travel people will understandably be fearful about venturing out. The Government must outline in its upcoming roadmap for easing lockdown what measures it will put in place to reassure people they can travel safely.'
Key Transport Focus survey findings:
- 83% think hand sanitiser should be available on public transport vehicles, at stations, and at stops
- 62% won’t use public transport unless social distancing is in place
- 51 per cent wouldn’t be happy using public transport unless passengers are required to wear face masks.
Transport Focus spoke to 2000 people between 1-3 May 2020. Data is nationally representative of the Great Britain population.
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