PHILIPSBURG--The maximum number of passengers per public transportation vehicle has been reduced to comply with government social distancing protocols, announced Justice Minister Egbert Doran on Wednesday.
“[As a – Ed.] general rule, no more than two passengers should sit in the same row while observing a social distance minimum of two metres (six feet),” said Doran.
Based on social distancing regulations, vans (with maximum capacity of seven seats) are now prohibited from transporting more than four passengers at one time.
Minibuses (with maximum capacity of 16 seats) are prohibited from transporting more than eight passengers, coaster busses (with maximum capacity of 29 seats) are prohibited from transporting more than 16 passengers, and charter buses (with maximum capacity of 60 seats) are prohibited from transporting more than 30 passengers.
“Drivers are encouraged to perform regular hand hygiene, including using a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol. Drivers should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and should avoid close contact with people who are sick.
“High-touch surfaces, including seats, door handles and handrails should be cleaned and disinfected frequently during the day. When cleaning/disinfecting, staff should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye/face protection. After removing PPE, staff should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” said Doran.
He advised passengers of public transportation to maintain at least two metres (six feet) between themselves and the nearest passenger.
“Regularly and thoroughly sanitise your hands with a sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol; cover your nose/mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; use disposable tissues and discard after use; and sanitise hands after coughing or sneezing,” concluded Doran.
