Another TheHandi-Van Operator Tested Positive for COVID-19

A TheHandi-Van operator tested positive for coronavirus, Oʻahu Transit Services, Inc. (OTS), operator of TheBus and TheHandi-Van confirmed today.

On Thursday (9/3), the operator informed OTS of a positive test result for COVID-19 and was immediately placed on leave and has been in quarantine. The operator’s last day of work was Thursday 8/27 and did not have any COVID-19 symptoms while working that day. However, the operator began feeling symptoms of COVID-19 the next day, Friday 8/28 and called in sick. The operator was tested on Monday (8/31).

TheHandi-Vans Operated:

8/26: #1709

8/27: #2019

Upon notification, OTS notified employees and passengers transported by this operator, and found no prolonged close contact with any passengers or employees. However, passengers that boarded the operator’s vehicles on 8/26 and 8/27 have been contacted and notified to self-monitor. The operator did not visit the operator’s lounge or any other areas.

The mandatory face covering requirement to ride TheBus or TheHandi-Van has greatly reduced operator and rider contact and risk. According to the Department of Health, the risk of exposure to those passengers appear to be low, but these passengers should monitor their health, watch for symptoms, and seek testing if necessary. The Handi-Van driven by the operator has been thoroughly disinfected and cleaned. OTS has been in contact with the passengers of this van and DOH will also continue communications with these individuals going forward.

TheBus and TheHandi-Van have taken steps to reduce the risk of infection while riding or operating a transit vehicle. All buses and vans are disinfected daily by wiping down all touch surfaces manually with a strong anti-virus disinfectant and receive nightly disinfecting fogging using an electrostatic spraying system. All drivers are temperature checked daily before their shifts.

The City continues to remind the public that only essential trips should be taken on public transit, and that wearing a face mask or covering while entering and riding on a bus or a TheHandi-Van is required. Transit riders should continue practicing good hygiene and social distancing. People who are sick or in poor health conditions should stay at home and not ride public transit to keep our system safe.