RAIL passengers are being urged to follow Government advice and wear face coverings from tomorrow.

Greater Anglia says its staff will be encouraging all passengers and travellers to wear a covering to help stop the possible spread of Covid-19.

Government officials are still advising people to avoid public transport and to only travel by train if absolutely necessary.

From tomorrow, they say it will be mandatory for public transport users to wear face coverings.

Children under the age of 11 and people with a disability or illness are exempt from the rules.

Greater Anglia says a scarf, bandanna or a face mask can all be used.

Commercial and customer service director Martin Moran said: "We would urge all customers to wear face coverings if they need to travel by train, so that we can all keep as safe as possible from the virus.

“We’re doing our best to help our customers by making it easier to maintain social distancing and monitoring passenger numbers to make sure trains are long and frequent enough to avoid crowding.

“Please help us to help you by wearing face coverings and following guidelines and instructions on our stations and trains.”

Greater Anglia has installed floor markings, one-way systems, new signs and queuing systems, as well as closing some facilities such as benches and waiting rooms to make it easier for customers to socially distance at stations.

People are advised to spend as little time at stations as possible – buying tickets online.

Customers should use the whole length of the platforms and trains, to ensure they are as spread out as possible, and to stand back to let people off the train before boarding.

Passengers should remain in their seat until they reach their destination, rather than walking down to the front of the train.

Greater Anglia has also stepped up cleaning on stations and trains, concentrating on high-touch areas such as push buttons, grab rails and door handles.