As part of its continued efforts to upscale pre-infection cum transmission measures against the deadly COVID-19 disease, the State Government of Osun, has banned overcrowding/overloading of buses and vehicles moving within the State, while also issuing new public transport guidelines to operators and passengers in the State.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Engr Hussein Olatoke Olaniyan, the new guidelines is part of the proactive measures taken by the State Government of Osun to curb the spread of coronavirus through the various community buses, cabs, motor parks and garages.
The statement read in part: “all Transport Operators and local Parks are not allowed to overcrowd/overload their vehicles at this point in time, Passenger’s spacing must be fully observed. NCDC recommends that at least 2m (5feet) distance is required between anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.”
“All buses should be at 60% capacity; that is, not fully loaded (i.e korope and other commercial buses). All commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders must not load their vehicles above stipulated capacity (1 passenger and 3 passengers respectively)”, the statement added.
Aside guidelines on transport operations, the statement also entreated Transport Operators and Local Park Manager to maintain proper hygiene standards in vehicles and at parks.
The State Government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport posited that: “all Transport Operators and Local Park Managers are expected to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation exercise at their parks and garages regularly and continuously (at least before and after each trip).”
“All Transport Operators and Local Park Managers are to provide at the entrance to their respective parks/garages, hand washing facility with soap and running water. All Transport Operators and Local Parks are advised and expected to have alcohol based sanitizers in their Vehicles for the use of Drivers and Passengers”, the statement added.
Also counselling Passengers, the statement averred that: “Passengers are required to regularly wash their hands with soap and running water, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before and after each trip.”
“All transport operators/company, local park managers and passengers are expected to report any suspected case of COVID-19 to the Ministry of Works & Transport on 07061061154 or call State of Osun Ministry of Health Helplines: 08035025692, 08033908772 ,08056456250. Or call State of Osun toll free Emergency Helpline on 293”, the statement provided.
