Three months before anyone had heard the words “coronavirus” or “Covid-19”, three freshmen at Miami Beach Senior High School began a science fair project to test bacteria count and underlying health hazards of riding the Miami Metrorail. They evaluated common touched surfaces, like benches, seatbacks, handrails, and elevator buttons. What they found were high bacterial levels, including E. Coli and antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus. Essentially, enteric organisms (which are bacteria originating from the intestines and feces) were being transferred to everyday surfaces and exposing passengers to these organisms. They advocated in their research paper vigorous soap-and-water hand washing and hand sanitizers before and after riding the Metrorail.
