The major routes of transmission are still through respiratory droplets and direct contact, so it’s highly unlikely that recycled subway tickets are contaminated with the virus, according to Feng Luzhao, an analyst from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Wearing a mask and keeping your hands clean are effective ways to prevent viral infections in daily life. Besides, when going out on the subway, people are encouraged to use a personal  transportation card or pay for the ticket via an app.
After taking public transportation, washing hands is necessary.