TheHandi-Van operator tests positive for COVID-19

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

On Monday (7/13) night, the operator informed OTS that a member of the household had tested positive for COVID-19 and was immediately placed on leave and quarantined. The operator did not have any COVID-19 symptoms while working that day. The operator was tested on Wednesday (7/15) and received a positive result Thursday evening.

Upon notification, OTS notified passengers and employees and found no prolonged close contact with any employees or passengers. 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.

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