Only after lessons: Essential service employees are advised to maintain social distancing while travelling in STS buses

Port Blair, April 21: Transport Department is providing adequate number of buses for facilitating the movement of employees engaged in carrying out essential services during the lockdown period by strictly observing the social distancing measures as per the guidelines issued by the Government of India to prevent the spreading of Corona virus.

It is also ensured that the passengers wear face masks or protection by cloths while travelling in the buses. Bus drivers have been directed to be vigilant and ensure that at any point of time the passengers inside the bus do not exceed the permissible limit i.e. 40% of the registered seating capacity and all passengers wear face mask/ cover while travelling. Hence all the employees of such Departments working during the lockdown period are advised to follow the social distancing diligently while travelling in the buses. Such Departments are also advised to inform the Transport Department if more persons are required to be transported than the permitted capacity, then Transport department will consider providing more buses depending upon the availability of buses at that time. 

Drivers have also been directed to inform any such matter to the higher officials and not to move the bus ahead, a communication from Deputy Director (Transport) said here.

 TMI Adds: During the month of March, when the Lockdown is in its first phase, the health workers alongwith other workers are allowed to rush into the bus without caring about social distancing between commuters and capacity of bus. But, the sudden advisory is passed only after observing/ learning from the 12^th corona virus positive case, and finding it spread to his 2 co-workers, finally today when the total positive cases reached to 17 as on April 21, 2020, the Dy. Director (Transport) have advised essential service employees to maintain social distancing while travelling in STS buses.