Rail stations test finds ZERO Covid: Analysis at four major transport hubs recorded no traces of the deadly virus in major boost for train passengers

No traces of the virus were found at four major railway stations.

Researchers swabbed places passengers regularly touched such as escalator handles, ticket machines and benches, while air samples were taken to see if there were any Covid particles in the air.

The analysis, commissioned by Network Rail, was carried out at London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly station in both January and June. 

The analysis, commissioned by Network Rail, was carried out at London Euston. (Pictured, a man on an escalator at London Euston)

Tests were also carried out on trains running between the stations.

The team from Imperial College London found no Covid-19 on any surfaces and there were no virus particles in the air.

Network Rail’s senior programme manager, Rob Mole, said: ‘Station cleaning teams and train staff have made it their mission to keep passengers safe during the pandemic and this is proof their dedicated approach works.

‘We want all passengers to travel in confidence on the railway network and we will keep doing our part by rigorously cleaning trains and stations.’

While the government has removed a legal requirement to wear face masks, train companies are asking travellers to keep them on ‘out of respect for others’.

While the government has removed a legal requirement to wear face masks, train companies are asking travellers to keep them

David Green, senior research fellow at Imperial College London, said: ‘In the same way that a swab is used to take a Covid-19 test in the nose and throat and sent to the lab, we use a filter to collect any virus particles in the air and swabs to collect viruses on surfaces.

‘This approach provides a way of quantifying the amount of virus circulating in these public environments and the effect of mitigation strategies like cleaning and wearing face coverings.’