Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that there are 120 bus drivers across seven bus interchanges that are infected with Covid-19, according to a statement from an LTA spokesperson on Monday (Aug. 30).

A new cluster involving staff at Boon Lay bus interchange was identified in the Ministry of Health (MOH)'s Covid-19 update on Sunday (Aug. 29). The cluster now has 15 cases.

A number of the new cases reported on Aug. 29 were also linked to the Jurong East, Clementi, Toa Payoh, and Punggol bus interchanges.

There are now seven Covid-19 clusters involving staff at bus interchanges.

The numbers of bus drivers infected at each bus interchange are:

• Bishan: 23
• Boon Lay: 13
• Clementi: 9
• Jurong East: 15
• Punggol: 13
• Sengkang: 14
• Toa Payoh: 33

The LTA spokesperson told Mothership that the 120 infected drivers make up a small percentage of the 9,500 drivers here, and does not expect that the outbreak will severely impact bus operations.

Cases picked up through community surveillance and regular testing

The LTA spokesperson said that many of the cases were identified through community surveillance testing and proactive regular testing.

All but four out of the 120 infected bus drivers are fully vaccinated.

Most of the bus drivers have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic.

LTA also noted that 99 per cent of front-line public transport workers have received their first dose of a vaccine, and more than 95 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Deep cleaning at interchanges once cluster is identified

The LTA spokesperson said that deep cleaning and disinfection of the premises will be carried out once a cluster at a public transport node is identified.

This is in addition to an enhanced cleaning regime that has been in place since last year.

In response to the recent outbreak, transport staff will also have to strictly adhere to new safe measurement measures, such as having meals and smoke breaks alone, even if they are fully vaccinated, LTA's spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said that LTA would be working closely with public transport operators to minimise service disruptions.

Follow and listen to our podcast here

Top photo by ZTUDIOTOTO Channel/Google Maps