Packed tube journeys in the morning have made it difficult to maintain social distancing, says a concerned frontline commuter.

Pardip Kapur, an NHS worker at an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward at Royal Free Hampstead, says that her journeys starting at Queensbury station has made it difficult to keep social distance from other commuters.

The NHS worker, who normally starts her shifts at 7am, says that she is concerned these crammed journeys could potentially mean easy transmission of Covid-19.

Some groups were captured standing at Queensbury station without a 2m distance, while others on the Jubilee line were seen sat beside each other, with no distance shown.

She said: “I don’t know if it’s because of what I’ve seen in ICU, but I feel a bit uncomfortable - I think there should be at least more tube services to stop this.”

Ms Kapur explained that in her recent journeys, she has asked some people to keep a distance, and her concerns have caused arguments.

Harrow Times:

She said: “I’m more scared for others, I haven’t been tested so I don’t know if I’m carrying the virus - I’m not showing symptoms, but I am around positive patients at work.”

Ms Kapur is calling for essential workers to take caution as more people return to work following the latest Government guidance.

She said: “I think around Kingsbury and Queensbury, there is a big community of people eager to go back to work, people who have to go back to support their family and kids.

“But it’s really frustrating to see crowded tubes, we need more tubes now rather than later."

The Department for Transport guidance recommends for people to consider driving, cycling or walking to work to ensure public transport capacity for only those that need it.

British Transport Police assistant chief constable Sean O’Callaghan is urging for people to stay away from public transport “if at all possible”.

He said: “Our officers are out and about across the rail network, focusing their time at stations where they are most needed. At some of the busier stations, you may see more officers than usual.

“If you don’t need to travel by rail or Tube, then don’t - and if you do need to, give yourself plenty of time.

“Perhaps speak to your employer and stagger the times you would normally go to and from work and avoid rush hours where possible.

“We all have a role to play in keeping the rail network safe.”