MRT-3 trains, stations disinfected to prevent novel coronavirus spread

MANILA, Philippines – Trains and stations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) have been cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), according to the line’s management.

MRT-3’s official Twitter account on Thursday tweeted photos showing the rail system maintenance personnel cleaning the seats and the handlebars used by commuters.

“Patuloy ang ginagawang pag-didisinfect sa loob ng mga tren ng MRT-3 — isa sa mga hakbang ng ahensya upang maiwasan ang paglaganap ng 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV),” MRT-3 said.

(MRT-3 trains are continuously being disinfected, one of the steps being taken by the agency to avoid the spread of the 2019 Novel coronavirus.)

“Gamit ang disinfectant, pulidong nililinis ng mga tauhan ng maintenance provider ng MRT-3 na Sumitomo-MHI-TESP, ang mga hawakan, poste, upuan, at mga pinto ng tren,” they added.

(Using the disinfectant, personnel from MRT-3’s maintenance provider Sumitomo-MHI-TESP cleaned the handlebars, posts, seats, and doors of the train.)

TINGNAN: PATULOY ang ginagawang pag-didisinfect sa loob ng mga tren ng MRT-3 — isa sa mga hakbang ng ahensya upang maiwasan ang paglaganap ng 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). pic.twitter.com/84VfkN8Nph

— DOTr MRT-3 (@dotrmrt3) February 6, 2020

Alcohol stations were also placed near ticket terminals, where direct contact between passengers and ticket officers occur.  Soaps were also designated in various restrooms of MRT stations.

“Bukod dito, naglagay din ng mga alcohol sa mga ticket windows, habang may mga sabon naman sa loob ng mga restrooms na maaaring gamitin ng mga pasahero,” they added.

(Aside from this, alcohol stations were also installed near ticket windows, while soaps were placed inside restrooms for customers to use.)

The 2019-nCoV, which originated in Wuhan City, China, has infected at least 28,000 individuals, with 565 already dead globally.  In the Philippines, there were three confirmed cases of the 2019-nCoV, one of which ended in death. Another patient is no longer in the country.

READ: China new virus deaths rise to 563; 2 cruise ships isolated

The MRT-3 line which runs along the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa), is one of the most-used modes of public transportation in Metro Manila, with 13 stations from North Avenue in North Edsa to the Taft Avenue Station in Malibay, Pasay.

The rail system traverses business districts and commercial areas in Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Makati, and Pasay.  According to reports, the MRT-3 is servicing roughly around 300,000 passengers daily.

READ: Number of MRT 3 passengers falls by 35% as fewer trains run

Edited by MUF