Zero Covid found on Avanti West Coast stations and trains
 
 

On 1 August, Network Rail announced that it found no traces of Covid-19 at four major railway stations or onboard Avanti West Coast trains in a test undertaken by Imperial College London.

 

Network Rail conducted two lots of testing – one in January and another in June – at four stations served by Avanti West Coast: London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly station.

 

Heavily touched areas such as escalator handles were swabbed, while hour-long air samples were checked for airborne virus. Tests were repeated on trains running between the stations – three of which were Avanti West Coast Trains.

 

All lab tests by Imperial College London showed no Covid-19 contamination of any surface tested or airborne particles of the virus in station or on trains.

 

The conclusions from the independent report commissioned by Network Rail say enhanced cleaning methods across the rail industry is one of the key reasons for the negative results.

 

Speaking about the study results, Customer Experience Director Natasha Grice said, “We really welcome these findings, which demonstrate that customers can travel with confidence. We have a well-established enhanced cleaning regime with a focus on touch points, including door buttons, tables, handrails, armrests, and toilets, as well as using long-lasting sanitiser onboard our trains. We’re delighted to have this clear evidence that backs up our approach.”

 

You can find more information on Network Rail’s press release here.