Public transport sector pledges full support to government efforts in combating AP

The public transport sector has pledged full support to Government's effort in combating atypical pneumonia(AP).

A Transport Department spokesman said today (Mar 28) that guidelines on the prevention of AP issued by the Department of Health was distributed on March 15 through the Transport Department to major transport operators such as MTRCL, KCRC, franchised bus companies, trams and ferries. They had since then been enhancing the cleansing of train/vehicle compartments and improving fresh air circulation in stations and trains.

Publicity effort was also stepped up to include other minor mode operators, such as Public Light Buses, taxis, nanny vans, Huanggang-Lok Ma Chau shuttle bus and cross boundary coaches. An experience sharing session with public transport operators had also been held to provide assistance and support to them.

The spokesman noted that major public transport operators had also formed internal task forces to monitor the implementation of the guidelines. Great efforts were made to increase operational staff's awareness of AP as well as enhancing hygiene condition of public transport carriers.

Some of the common measures adopted by the public transport operators include:-

	to improve fresh air circulation in stations and train/vehicle compartments,
	to increase frequency of filter replacement for all air-conditioners and ventilation systems
	to increase frequency of cleansing in train/vehicle compartments,
	to come out in full support of the cleansing campaign to be launched by the Government this Sunday
	to urge staff to consult doctor early and take sick leave if they have symptoms of fever, sneezing or coughing;
	to inform the Government at the first instance of any staff fallen victim or suspected of having contracted AP, and
	to ask staff to refrain from going back to work according to advice of the health authority if their family members have contracted atypical pneumonia.

There is also a general consensus amongst the transport operators that their front line staff who come into regular contact with large number of passengers should be advised to wear face masks, and be advised of the correct way of wearing them, the spokesman said, adding that taxi drivers were encouraged to open the car window when carrying passengers.

As millions of people use the public transport system everyday, the support of the public transport sector is of great importance in combating the disease, the spokesman said, adding that their co-operation was greatly appreciated by the Department.

End/Friday, March 28, 2003