Two TheBus operators have tested positive for coronavirus, Oʻahu Transit Services, Inc. (OTS), operator of TheBus confirmed today.
On Friday, 1/15/2021, the first operator confirmed with OTS that they had tested positive for COVID-19. The operator’s last day of work was 12/31/2020, and was tested on 1/15/2021 as part of the pre-travel testing program. The operator had some symptoms on 1/1/2021 that resolved prior to testing. Vehicles driven by the operator were cleaned and disinfected. Operator had no prolonged contact with any riders.
On Friday, 1/15/2021, the second operator woke up with symptoms, got tested, and confirmed with OTS that they had tested positive for COVID-19. The operator’s last day of work was Wednesday, 1/13/2021. Vehicles driven by the operator were cleaned and disinfected. Operator had no prolonged contact with any riders.
TheBus and TheHandi-Van have taken steps to reduce the risk of infection while riding or operating transit vehicles. 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 regularly disinfected 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.