One More TheBus Operator Tests Positive for COVID-19

A TheBus operator that had been on leave but had visited the Kalihi Bus Facility has tested positive for coronavirus, Oʻahu Transit Services, Inc. (OTS), operator of TheBus and TheHandi-Van confirmed today.

On Wednesday (8/12/2020), the operator informed OTS that s/he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was already quarantined. The operator’s last day of service was on June 17, 2020 and did not have any COVID-19 symptoms while working.

The operator had visited the OTS Kalihi Facility last Wednesday (8/5/2020) but had no symptoms while on property, wore a mask, and had no prolonged contact with any employees. Operator developed symptoms of COVID-19 later that evening and got tested earlier this week. As the operator has not been in service, there is no threat of spread to the riding public.

TheBus has taken steps to reduce the risk of infection while riding or operating a transit vehicle. Plastic curtains have been installed on all buses to provide a barrier between drivers and passengers as they board. Seats closest to the operator have been made unavailable to provide greater space and extra buses have been added on busy routes to provide more area for physical separation. 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 OTS employees are temperature checked daily.

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.

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