School bus operators gear up for class resumption

The Commissioner for Transport, Robert Footman today (May 7) appeals to all frontline staff and operators of school buses and school private light buses (nanny vans) to ensure a clean and safe vehicle compartment for school children when school classes of Primary four to six students resume on May 12 as announced by Education and Manpower Bureau.

Speaking at "The Student Transport Vehicle - Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Campaign" at Lam Tin Methodist Primary School, Mr Footman thanked trade representatives of school buses and nanny vans for demonstrating their commitment to fight against SARS.

He said: "Prior to resumption of student transport service, school bus operators are required to clean thoroughly their vehicles. Upon resuming student service, they should follow the health guidelines issued by the Department of Health, in particular, ensure cleanliness of vehicles by frequent cleansings ."

"Besides, the driver and the escort are advised to wear masks and take temperature before work. They should not take part in student transport service if they have a symptom of fever," Mr Footman said.

To help remind students on precautionary measures against SARS, Transport Department has printed illustrative cartoon stickers with anti-SARS messages for the operators to display at school buses and nanny vans.

The messages are:

	Wear masks properly
	Don't touch masks or other children's masks
	Wash hands before wearing masks
	If you are not feeling well, tell the driver or the escort
	Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
	Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth before washing hands

It is one of the latest anti-SARS publicity campaigns organised by Transport Department in a bid to prevent the spread of SARS. Earlier, the department organised cleansing campaigns for public transport operators including taxi, non-franchised bus, school private light bus and public light bus as well as health talk for frontline staff of public transport trades.

Meanwhile, public transport operators including the two railway corporations and franchised buses companies have all geared up for the class resumption.

End/Wednesday, May 7, 2003