COVID-19 Rail Protocol: Recommendations for safe resumption of railway services in Europe

The European Union’s Agency’s for Railways (ERA), the European Commission, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have developed the following COVID-19 railway protocol, outlining the operational guidelines for the resumption of railway operations in Europe. This protocol reflects the current status of knowledge about the COVID-19 disease and its pandemic effect. It summarises preventive measures considered effective at the date of publication, and complements measures taken by the European Commission to support Member States in re-launching mobility and tourism across Europe.

Note: COVID-19 can be transmitted through close contact with infected persons and/or with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the secretions of infected persons. Any activity or situation that involves the gathering together of people poses a risk for the transmission of infection. Thus, all forms of transport that bring people into close proximity, particularly in closed/indoor spaces, pose an increased risk for transmission. Such forms of transport include buses, trains, airplanes and ships. Measures advised include to maintain appropriate physical distancing and avoidance of contact with contaminated surfaces, together with strict hand hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette. Hygiene will decrease the risk of transmission, but some risk will remain.