A recent incident on a Hong Kong bus in Yuen Long has stirred up a wave of disgust on social media. A video posted on Threads shows a woman engaging in a disturbing act—repeatedly licking a yellow handrail on the bus.
The unsettling footage captures her moving her tongue back and forth along the handrail, and then trying to wipe away the saliva with her hands. She even glances back with a brief smile, adding to the shock factor of the scene.
Public Outcry Over Hygiene Concerns
The video quickly went viral, prompting a strong reaction from netizens who labeled the act “gross” and “unhygienic.”
Many expressed that they would now think twice before touching public surfaces, with the original poster (OP) stating, “I will never touch the handrail again in my life.”
Some users even suggested that authorities should be notified due to the health risks involved.
Not an Isolated Case?
Reports surfaced from other netizens claiming they had seen the woman behaving oddly in public on multiple occasions.
According to some, she was previously spotted licking backpacks and handrails on the MTR, Hong Kong’s railway system. Eyewitnesses said she would repeatedly get on and off at different stations to perform similar actions.
Hygiene Concerns in the Spotlight
This incident has showcased the ongoing importance of hygiene on public transportation, particularly in a post-pandemic world where health concerns are still prevalent.
Although authorities have not intervened, the incident is one of the reasons why people should prioritize the need for cleanliness in shared spaces and the potential health risks of unsanitary behavior.
Mixed Reactions and Deeper Concerns
Most reactions focused on the woman’s disgusting act, while a few even suggested that authorities should be contacted for some help. However, the consensus was that such behavior was inappropriate for a public setting and should not be tolerated.
Staying Safe on Public Transport
With this incident bringing hygiene to the forefront, commuters are reminded to stay cautious when using public transportation:
- Carry Hand Sanitizer: Always keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching any public surfaces, such as handrails, seats, or ticket machines.
- Wear Gloves When Possible: If you often use public transport, consider wearing disposable gloves during your commute. You can discard them after each use to minimize contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: After touching public surfaces, avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth, until you’ve had a chance to sanitize your hands.
- Use a Tissue or Cloth: When holding onto handrails, consider using a tissue, cloth, or even your sleeve to avoid direct contact.
- Regularly Disinfect Personal Items: Items like backpacks, phones, and reusable water bottles can pick up germs from public spaces. Wipe them down regularly with disinfectant wipes.
Watch the video here:
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