Mallorca Imposes Speaking & Eating Ban On Public Transport

The authorities on the Spanish island of Mallorca have instructed residents to travel in silence on public transport to avoid spreading COVID-19.

The measure, which applies to the bus, metro and train travel, was recommended by the Balearic Islands regional government, which also advised residents to pay by card and avoid peak times.

The measure also applies to the islands of Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, and an extra measure in place in Majorca and Ibiza prevents passengers from standing in buses.

Eating and drinking is also prohibited on public transport and passengers are obliged to wear face masks and to regularly sanitise their hands.

The authorities also ensured the public that all vehicles will be appropriately ventilated and disinfected on a daily basis.

Jaume Mateu Lledo, director general of Transport and Mobility in Mallorca, told local media: “If we combine face mask use, which is obligatory, with not speaking, security on transport is practically 100 percent.”

The authorities said they made the recommendation, which has reportedly divided local opinion, based on scientific research although it is unclear which studies were used.

According to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University, Spain has reported 2,412,318 positive test results of COVID-19 and 54,637 related deaths.