Thermal screening of passengers in trains, railway stations

In the backdrop of the coronavirus spread, authorities have commenced thermal screening of passengers in trains passing through the state and at major railway stations, including this capital city and Ernakulam, official sources said on Monday.

Officials of the Railways and state health department, including doctors, were part of the team engaged in the thermal screening, they said.

The Southern Railway also launched a massive awareness campaign to fight further spread of coronavirus, which has infected 24 people in the state.

A host of preventive measures had also been put in place by the railways.

Among other measures, disinfectants are being sprayed on the exterior and interiors of all the coaches/EMUs/MEMUs of the primary maintenance trains of the Southern Railway.

Audio announcement and videos are played on regular basis to create awareness about precautionary measures against COVID-19.

As part of these initiatives and in view of the advisory from Railway Board, Southern Railways has withdrawn the supply of woolen blankets to AC coach passengers.

Pillows, Pillow covers and bed sheets will continue to be supplied, a railway press release said.