Portsmouth midfielder teams up with South Western Railway to highlight the importance of wearing face masks

In a video promoting the importance of wearing face coverings, Ben, who was sporting a Pompey mask, said: ‘We want fans back in stadiums as much as you do but we all have to do our bit to control the virus like wearing face masks on public transport.’

The wearing of masks is just one of a whole series of measures being implemented by SWR to help keep passengers safe on its trains.

Customer experience director, Alan Penlington, added: ‘Colleagues from across SWR have been working really hard to ensure that we keep our customers as safe as possible. Those travelling with us will have noticed hand sanitiser machines across our network and measures to facilitate social distancing. ‘Behind the scenes, we have enhanced cleaning regimes and beefed up our train presentation teams.

‘But our customers continue to play a vital role in keeping everyone safe. We’re asking people to wash their hands regularly and keep their distance. ‘Crucially, it is so important that those of us who aren’t exempt follow Ben Close’s excellent advice and wear face coverings at stations and on trains.’

The release of the video comes as prime minister Boris Johnson issued a rallying call to the nation highlighting the importance of following government guidelines to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

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