[Updated] The public bus service remains suspended, the Ministry confirmed this morning [Dec 15].
On Friday, December 11th, the Ministry confirmed that bus service was “suspended until further notice,” explaining that a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of others, the decision has been made to suspend the public bus service until an assessment from the Ministry of Health is completed,” the Ministry said on Friday.
We asked the Ministry for an update this morning, and a spokesperson told Bernews, “the buses remain suspended and an update will be provided today.”
Update 6.45pm: The Department of Public Transportation said they are “working towards resuming service this week Thursday and will provide a further update tomorrow.”
A spokesperson said, “The Department of Public Transportation [DPT] wishes to advise the public that the bus service remains suspended pending advice from the Ministry of Health.
“The public is also advised, that the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit are finalising recommendations to DPT management, and the Occupational Safety and Health Committee to review and decide on the next steps.
“The Department of Health has completed a workplace risk assessment and the DPT management team is implementing a remedial action plan, including enhanced workplace protocols for distancing, hygiene, and mask-wearing – to prevent possible future disruptions of the bus service.
“The DPT recognises the inconvenience to the travelling public, however, to ensure the health and safety of others, suspending the bus service remains the best course of action at this time.
“As Bermuda experiences an increase in positive Covid-19 tests, we must all do our part as responsible citizens to prevent further spread of the virus in our community,” said the Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott.
“To that end, I am confident in the abilities of the Department of Public Transportation and the Ministry of Health teams, and I thank them as they go about executing their duties to ensure the bus service can safely resume.”
“I also want to remind and urge all public service vehicle [PSV] operators and the general public to adhere to the guidance provided by the Ministry of Health to help keep everyone, especially those most vulnerable persons in our community, safe.”
The Ministry added, “The Department of Public Transportation is working towards resuming service this week Thursday and will provide a further update tomorrow.”
This comes as Bermuda is experiencing a spike in confirmed cases, with the Government announcing yesterday that the island recorded 25 more confirmed positive Covid-19 results.
There have been over 12,000 tests done so far this month, with around 200 new positive cases announced, a graphic showing the date and amount of new positives announced is below.
