MRT Metro steps up for H1N1 preventive measures

BANGKOK, 18 June 2009 (NNT) – Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited (BMCL) has stepped up preventive measures against the influenza A (H1N1) virus for safety and hygiene of MRT metro passengers via public relations and sanitization of its premises and staff.

BMCL Public Relations Director Chartchai Praditpong said the MRT would publicize messages to encourage passengers to wear sanitary masks if they had flu symptoms to prevent transmitting the virus to others. He said the campaign would be made within the premises of underground stations as well as on trains.

Mr Chartchai added that the MRT would have its trains sanitized in places frequently touched by passengers such as seats, handrails and banisters on a daily basis while the whole train would be cleaned weekly. The director further stated that metro staff and security guards would be educated on virus preventive measures and would be provided with gloves, sanitary masks and antiviral gel for use during operation.

Apart from the measures mentioned, Mr Chartchai said other cleaning and hygienic measures would be stricter. He said the measures would be conducted continuously until the outbreak situation would be resolved.