TheBus operator tests positive for COVID-19

A TheBus operator has tested positive for coronavirus, Oʻahu Transit Services, Inc. (OTS), operator of TheBus confirmed today.

On Thursday, 11/19/2020, the operator confirmed that had tested positive for COVID-19. The operator had been on travel-related leave, and returned to work on 11/18/2020, which was also their last day at work. While on duty, operator was informed of a close contact testing positive. HR was notified and the operator was immediately placed on leave. The operator had no symptoms during work and had no close contact with employees or riders. The vehicle was immediately grounded and disinfected.

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 physical distancing. People who are sick or in poor health conditions should stay at home and not ride public transit.