21 FEBRUARY / 2020 / 18:17
Anti-epidemic measures against the coronavirus ("2019-nCoV"), which originated in China and is spreading rapidly, have also started in the metro area, the main means of public transport in Baku. The measures will be held at the stations and trains where people have the most contact.
According to the statements by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding coronavirus, the main reason for the rapid spread of the virus is its high virulence and pathogenicity, the presence of airborne droplets and contact, and people’s high level of vulnerability to the virus. The anti-epidemic measures taken are directed against such mechanisms and ways of infection.
Passenger traffic intensity, density, regular contact conditions, non-intensity of natural air ventilation, and non-penetration of sun rays require the strengthening of precautionary measures by Metro.
To this end, Baku Metro CJSC has investigated the guidelines, directions, safe use of preventive measures and launched disinfection measures in partnership with a specialized and licensed provider of disinfection services.
Consistent measures have started with the trains at the Narimanov electric depot and according to the schedule of the day, all passenger carriages will be covered in phases.
These measures will take place at the stations during the night shift. Such measures will be done twice a month at each station, crossing, lobby, plinth and tracks. The schedule of the measures to be taken on trains and stations has already been defined.
In addition, the escalator handrails, entry and exit gates, and other handheld surfaces, which are often contacted by passengers, will be cleaned with disinfectants several times a day.
For the full information of the public, a drug called “ProGreen ProFix” is used as a disinfectant. The drug has a wide spectrum of uses and is aimed at all types of germs, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, tuberculosis, as well as blood, sores and feces.
The intensified protective measures against coronavirus will take place in accordance with the relevant instructions and guidelines of the state authorities.
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It should also be emphasized that a special attention is paid to the implementation of sanitary and hygienic norms and regulations in the Baku Metro. Regular disinfecting (insect control), deratization (rodent control) and preventive disinfection measures are carried out regularly in trains, stations, mines and tunnels, as well as in other operating and construction facilities in accordance with the sanitary and hygienic requirements. The implemented work is constantly monitored, along with the regular monitoring of the facilities. If necessary, sanitary and hygienic measures are repeated in accordance with the requirements of the epidemiological situation.
During the above-mentioned activities, those medicines that are considered appropriate for the underground use are used. A particular attention is paid to avoiding harmful effects of the drugs on the human body and the environment. In addition, there is a laboratory which monitors the daily microclimate conditions on stations, tunnels and trains, as well as service rooms, using state-of-the-art measuring devices.
All the measures will provide not only healthy and safe working conditions which meet sanitary and hygienic standards for the normal operation of the Metro employees, but also will facilitate the convenience of the residents using Metro, as well as, guests of our city.
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"Baku Metro" CJSC calls passengers to comply with sanitary and hygienic norms in the underground and actively engage in these issues.
It is highly important to avoid littering the stations and trains with such active and persistent microbial carriers as food, culinary products, and most notably chewing gums.
We must remember that preventing the spread of diseases, protecting the environment and the metro area are of paramount importance for each and every passenger’s health.
