A London Transit bus on Richmond Street. (File photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)A London Transit bus on Richmond Street. (File photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)
London

London Transit driver tests positive for COVID-19

The London Transit Commission is reassuring the public it is taking every step necessary to protect against COVID-19 after one of its drivers tested positive for the virus.

Public health officials notified the LTC about the driver's condition on Tuesday. This is the transit agency's first confirmed case of the virus.

The infected driver worked on Route 20 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. between March 24 and March 31.

"People who travelled on this route during the above days/times who feel well and do not have symptoms should continue to practice physical distancing and do not need to call public health," London Transit officials said in a statement issued Wednesday. "Those who develop symptoms are asked to visit covid19checkup.ca where the online assessment tool will advise whether it is necessary to go to an Assessment Center to get tested."

The Middlesex London Health Unit is reaching out directly to individuals who have been in close contact with the driver.

London Transit officials have said their top priority is providing support to the driver, the driver's family, and continuing to help protect its employees, customers, and the community from the virus. As such, city buses continue to be cleaned and sanitized nightly. Transit facilities are also being disinfected on a regular basis.

Physical distancing measures put in place last month to protect both drivers and passengers continue. Bus riders are asked to board using the rear door and no fares are being collected. The bus fleet has been divided mid-way to provide space between drivers and passengers. However, those with accessibility needs are still permitted to board and exit buses using the front door.

Posters have also been mounted at both the front and rear doors advising people who aren't feeling well not to board.

Service has been reduced or cancelled on less frequently travelled routes so resources can be redirected to the busiest corridors to aid in physical distancing.

Transit officials have also urged the public not to take the bus on frivolous trips, but rather ride only when it is essential - for trips to work, the grocery store or pharmacy.

There is some concern among transit employees that the measures put in place to protect them don't go far enough.

"We need better protection for the drivers when they get down to strap in mobility devices," said Andre Fournier, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 741. "This is such a big unknown and [London Transit] is taking baby steps and I think it should be taking gigantic steps to become proactive, not reactive in order to protect its employees."

The union has ordered medical face shields for drivers to clip onto their ball caps as a way of enhancing protection from the virus, Fournier said.

He added that more face masks and hand sanitizer are needed for workers.

"This virus is scary. To have our drivers, our operators go out there day-in-day-out to serve the public, they are in the trenches doing what it takes to help the community and I am very proud of that," said Fournier. "But they are very fearful. We are talking about life and death now."

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