Public transportation operators should take precaution – UMU President

Coronavirus

With thousands of Guyanese using public transportation daily, President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews, is urging all operators to ensure the safety of commuters, in light of the coronavirus threat in Guyana.

According to the United Minibus Union President, it is paramount that drivers be more sensitised to prevent further infection of the COVID-19 virus.
“Operators need to arrange themselves in such a way where they will be to clean every spot, where they open the doors, spray the bus every two or three trips. They also need to have dialogues with the persons travelling with them…”, he said.
Andrews further said that it is also the responsibility of every commuter to ensure that they are well protected during this season. The minibus association President encouraged that operators pay keen attention to public announcements that will be disseminated.
“We are being advised on what Guyana needs to do. Please listen to the radio, follow the news, and every avenue on how you can get to protect yourself and those persons travelling with you,” he urged.
Nevertheless, when this publication spoke to several operators from the East Coast of Demerara bus park, they all assured that they are doing their utmost to ensure that their buses are clean.
“I am trying my best to ensure myself and everyone in this bus is well protected, I clean and spray my bus every day, and I try to encourage my passengers to do the same,” one driver told this publication.
Another, who is popularly known as “Bumba”, said: “Since we heard of the woman who died at Georgetown Hospital, I am making sure I clean out my bus with bleach and so on”.
Up to date, Guyana has only recorded one suspected case of COVID-19. The case is regarded as imported as the 52-year-old old woman travelled from New York to Guyana. She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital. As such, the Public Health Ministry has urged persons to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
While the coronavirus is not airborne, it can linger on surfaces for some time. Symptoms range from fever, dry cough, muscle ache and fatigue. As such, persons are advised to desist from touching their faces coupled with