NYC Subways Continue More Limited Shutdown For Overnight Cleaning, But It May Not Be Necessary

As of Monday at 2 a.m., New York City subways will reduce their overnight cleaning sessions by two hours. Yet these interruptions may no longer be necessary.

Scientists say it's abundantly clear that coronavirus mostly spreads through the air and not via surfaces. But Columbia University epidemiologist Dr. Jessica Justman says a little “hygiene theater” from the MTA can be important for reducing anxiety.

"It just instills confidence so that people are more likely to take the subway, and I don't want to underplay that," she said.

Perceptions of safety are useful, but to truly minimize COVID risk, she said people must keep up their distancing, double-masking and hand cleaning.