WORCESTER residents are being reminded to avoid car sharing with those outside of their household.

As Coronavirus spreads more quickly in enclosed spaces, car sharing and taking public transport have been identified as contributing factors to the spread of the virus.

Following an increase in Covid-19 cases both locally and nationally, Public Health Worcestershire is advising residents and commuters into the county to do the right thing and protect others.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire said: “Cases in Worcestershire remain low but we want to keep it that way. We’re advising people to try and only car share with those within your household.”

If you have to share a car journey with anyone else, the advice is:

• Share with just one other person from outside your household

• Wear face coverings for the duration of the journey

• Maximise the distance between driver and passengers (with the passenger sitting in the back on the opposite side from the driver)

• Keep windows down when travelling

• Clean the car between journeys, particularly wiping down all contact points that people may have touched

“Most importantly, do not car share if you have any Coronavirus symptoms. If you, or anyone in your household, experience a high temperate, continuous cough or loss or change in sense of smell or taste, you must isolate and get a test as soon as possible.” Dr Kathryn Cobain added.

Councillor John Smith, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing said: “Using public transport and car sharing can still continue in Worcestershire. However, we want to remind everyone to follow the Coronavirus guidelines and advice to ensure we keep our friends, family and peers safe.

We’d also encourage people to think of alternative ways to travel around Worcestershire.”

For more information on Coronavirus in Worcestershire including support, advice and where to book a test, please visit: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus