Fear of Covid Leads to Escalator Falls in London

Officials with the London Underground report that passengers are falling down Tube station escalators because fear of catching COVID-19 is making them reluctant to hold onto the handrail, Evening Standard reports. London Underground chiefs say a spike in accidents is also being blamed on intoxicated passengers celebrating the end of lockdown. Twelve deaths or serious injuries have been reported on the Tube between April and June, and 23 on buses — an increase compared to the same three-month period last year. Transport for London (TfL) plans to expand a trial, launched last year, that attaches ultraviolet (UV) light devices to handrails to eradicate the COVID-19 virus. A TfL spokesman said 93 escalators had been fitted with UV virus-busting units by September, and a further 340 were due to be installed by the end of 2021.