TheHandi-Van Operator In Honolulu Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Press release from the City and County of Honolulu:

December 23, 2020

A TheHandi-Van operator has tested positive for coronavirus, Oʻahu Transit Services, Inc. (OTS), operator of TheBus and TheHandi-Van, confirmed today.

On Tuesday, 12/22/2020, a paratransit operator tested positive for COVID-19. The operator’s last day of work was Saturday, 12/19/2020. Operator had no prolonged close contact with other employees or passengers.

Passengers that were driven by the operator on Wednesday, 12/16/2020 through Saturday 12/19/2020 have been contacted and notified to self-monitor.

TheBus and TheHandi-Van have taken steps to reduce the risk of infection while riding or operating a transit vehicle. All buses and vans are disinfected daily by wiping down all touch surfaces manually with a strong anti-virus disinfectant and receive nightly disinfecting fogging using an electrostatic spraying system. All drivers are temperature checked daily before their shifts.

The City continues to remind the public that only essential trips should be taken on public transit, and that wearing a face mask or covering while entering and riding on a bus or a TheHandi-Van is required. Transit riders should continue practicing good hygiene and physical distancing. People who are sick or in poor health conditions should stay at home and not ride public transit to keep our system safe.

This press release was produced by the City and County of Honolulu. The views expressed are the author's own.