On June 2, many Singaporeans returned to work and school following the end of the circuit breaker.

This meant that trains and roads have experienced an uptick in traffic, with CNA reporting that more commuters were seen at MRT stations such as Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Bishan and Paya Lebar, compared to Monday, June 1 when the circuit breaker was still in place.

Safe distancing not possible at all times on public transport

In preparation for the end of circuit breaker, transport minister Khaw Boon Wan said in a Facebook post on June 1 that safe distancing stickers on buses and trains will be removed.

Khaw said that as more commuters are expected after the circuit breaker ends, "there will be times when safe distancing will not be possible".

Therefore, he said that all commuters should wear masks at all times.

In a previous Facebook post on May 19, Khaw also said that public transport commuters should refrain from talking to others or on the phone.

Opinion piece published on Today

An opinion piece published by Today on June 1 reiterated the importance of refraining from talking while on public transport.

People should refrain from talking

The piece, written by Lim Li Shun, said that transport operators have a responsibility to raise awareness for commuters to refrain from talking, unless necessary.

This is because talking increases the chance of the dispersion of droplets, which is a key mode of transmission of Covid-19.

He noted that, based on his observations, many commuters were "still talking loudly on their phones or to each other".

Some of these people also "chat on the phone for a prolonged period".

These people "have not heeded the government's advice," he added.

Transport operators could help by reminding commuters

Lim noted that there have been posters reminding people to abide by safe distancing measures while on public transport.

However, he said he has not seen similar posters or announcements asking commuters to refrain from talking.

He urged transport operators to step up measures to start reminding commuters about this, and to get everyone to play their part in keeping public transport safe.

Who should be responsible?

In response to the piece, some comments said that the onus is not on the operators to ensure such behaviour, and questioned if enforcement is even feasible.

Others pointed out that people should not be talking on public transport, ever -- be it during a pandemic or otherwise.

One comment, though:

Top photo via LTA.