Bus, taxi drivers told to scrub up, stay alert
The Department of Land Transport has asked operators of public transit services to help stem the spread of the coronavirus by keeping their vehicles and terminals clean.
Director general Chirute Visalachitra said on Thursday (January 30) that taxi drivers and bus drivers and conductors are at risk of infection due to their regular close proximity to tourists from China, where a virus outbreak is occurring.
“They must be more careful about sanitation, wear facemasks and use handwash gel,” he said.
Chirute asked that they pay attention to their Chinese passengers’ physical condition and inform health officials or call the public health hotline if someone is seen coughing badly, wheezing or with a runny nose.
Chirute said he had ordered all bus lines to scrub their terminals daily and collaborate with the authorities in watching for signs of coronavirus.
“I’ve also ordered provincial transport offices and their branches to clean and sterilise their facilities more frequently, especially at public touch points like elevator buttons, handrails and doors,” he said.