Public transport will continue to run as normal in Manchester amid the coronavirus outbreak, transport bosses have confirmed.
Transport for Greater Manchester said there is a 'rigorous cleaning regime in place' on buses, trains and Metrolink services.
In a tweet, TfGM said: "The Government is advising against non-essential use of public transport and for people to vary travel times to avoid rush hour.
"However, we understand that some of you will need to travel for essential reasons - for work and to support family and friends.
"At the time services continue to run and TfGM will be working closely with rail, bus and Metrolink operators over the coming days.
"We want to reassure you that for those who do need to travel there is a rigorous cleaning regime in place and public transport is continuing to run - but please check with individual operators ahead of your journey."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced further measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 following an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday (March 16).
"Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel", Mr Johnson said.
The Government has issued advice on social distancing that everyone should follow, which includes avoiding 'non-essential use' of public transport.
Anyone with a high temperature or a persistent cough, or anyone in the same household with them, should stay at home for 14 days, the Government said.
Across the UK, 1,543 people have tested positive for Covid-19, up from 1,372 at the same time on Sunday. However, many thousands more are estimated to have been infected.
55 people have died after testing positive for the virus.
