Coronavirus and how to behave on public transport - a guide to etiquette

While everyone's obsessed with the spread of coronavirus, one thing may have been overlooked.

How to behave yourself on public transport - the trams, trains and buses - if you are coughing or sneezing.

Scientists believe the virus is spread in droplets, from coughs and sneezes.

In London, a guide to travelling on public transport has been produced, but it's equally applicable to the rest of the country when it comes to commuting on trams, trains or buses.

Transport for Greater Manchester said last week there is a "rigorous" cleaning regime in place on Metrolink, with trams cleaned every night and litter collected through the day.

It's important to take simple steps while travelling on public transport (MEN)

A deep clean takes place every eight weeks - but this could increase in frequency as the number of cases rise.

Stagecoach, which runs bus services, said it is following government and public health advice on the outbreak and recommended measures.

The company said it has a "rigorous cleaning regime" in place for its public transport services.

It also has detailed reminder to teams about hygiene good practice, as well as providing "additional cleaning materials, such as extra hand sanitiser for depots and work areas".

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While there isn't a huge risk from touching surfaces, that's different if the surfaces are contaminated with those droplets - or if someone infected has coughed or sneezed on you.

So on your daily commute on public transport it's worth considering:

• Avoid touching the poles
• Wear gloves if you need to hold on
• Use hand sanitiser before and after you get on
• Take an anti-bacterial wipe with you to wipe down surfaces before you touch them
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Or cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it as soon as possible
• Use a tissue to cover your finger when you press a button
• Wash your hands frequently using soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
• Don't travel if you feel unwell
• Take public transport earlier in the morning when it's quieter
• Avoid using public transport if you possibly can
• Keep checking for the latest government advice
• Change buses as infrequently as possibly to limit th surfaces you touch
• Avoid touching your face until you've washed your hands.