Driving your own vehicle seems like the easiest way to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak: you can be vigilant in keeping it clean and always know who was in it last.

But many in Toronto don’t own a car and rely on other means. So what is the safest method to get around?

According to Craig Janes, professor and director at University of Waterloo’s school of public health and health systems, it’s a tough question “with no easy answer.”

“The ideal from a public health standpoint is not to travel at all, but this may not be an option for people who need to get food” or go to work, Janes said. “Using a bicycle or walking is best.”

If those transportation methods aren’t accessible and a person needs to take transit, Janes suggested doing so at off-peak hours.

“Be careful to practise proper hand and face hygiene, especially after leaving” the bus or streetcar, he said. Just as important is sticking to social distancing and sitting or standing away from others.

“Importantly, if a person feels ill, or someone in their household has symptoms, they should really not go out at all,” Janes stressed.

The TTC has said passengers can access both sets of doors on buses to board to allow for social distancing. Additionally, cleaning and disinfecting of vehicles and high-touch surfaces is also being performed.

“Every station, bus, streetcar, Wheel-Trans vehicle and train is receiving extra attention,” the TTC said in a post outlining the steps the agency is taking.

Meanwhile, GO Transit has reduced service in response to COVID-19. Metrolinx, the provincial agency which handles GO, has said the move is to help ensure workers stay healthy. Metrolinx is asking riders that do not require the accessibility coach to board elsewhere on trains.

Additionally, customers are asked to keep to social distancing measures onboard or on the platforms.

If public transit is out of the question, Uber has not cancelled operations.

The company said drivers are being provided with disinfectants for their vehicles and may temporarily suspend accounts of drivers and riders who have contracted or been exposed to the novel coronavirus.

Janes said if someone needs to travel using an Uber or taxi, “be sure to take precautions in terms of keeping a distance from the driver” in the back seat and avoid travelling with others that you don’t know.

Importantly, Janes said, an “unknown is whether the drivers themselves are sick, have symptoms and are shedding virus, but need to drive in order to maintain an income. This would pose a significant risk to the public.”

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In Uber’s case, financial compensation is being offered to those who are diagnosed or asked to self-isolate.

“Any driver or delivery person who is diagnosed with COVID‑19 or is individually asked to self‑isolate by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for up to 14 days while their account is on hold,” the company wrote in a post on their website.

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