Unite: Danger of ‘second spike’ if no action on public transport to enforcing face coverings and social distancing
Friday, 26 June 2020 14:01
Unite, which represents workers throughout public transport
including over 80,000 bus workers is warning that a ‘second spike
in Covid-19 infections is becoming ever more likely due to
increasing non-compliance of face covering and social distancing
rules on public transport. Unite issued its warning today (Friday
26 June) after transport secretary Grant Shapps announced that bus
and rail timetables will return to 85 per cent of normal services
in early July. However Unite is increasingly...Request free trial
Unite, which represents workers throughout public transport
including over 80,000 bus workers is warning that a ‘second spike
in Covid-19 infections is becoming ever more likely due to
increasing non-compliance of face covering and social distancing
rules on public transport.
Unite issued its warning today
(Friday 26 June) after transport secretary announced that bus and rail
timetables will return to 85 per cent of normal services in early
July.
However Unite is increasingly
concerned that the rules on wearing masks/face coverings and
maintaining social distancing on public transport are frequently
being flouted, which dramatically increases the risk of
infection.
Only the police have the power to
fine someone for flouting the rules on face coverings. It is
responsibility of bus operators to prevent overcrowding and to
order passengers not following the rules to leave a
vehicle.
Unite national officer for public
transport Bobby Morton said: “Unite members are
increasingly reporting the rules on face coverings and social
distancing on public transport, especially buses, are being
flouted.
“With the frequency of
public transport increasing and passenger numbers rising, the
danger of a second spike will be greatly increased, unless decisive
action is taken to ensure the rules are
followed.
“It is not the role of bus
drivers, nor do they have the power, to deny someone to board a
bus, due to not wearing a face
covering.
“The failure of bus
operators and the police to deal with this increasing problem is
potentially risking the health of bus workers and passengers and
could have disastrous consequences for the nation’s public
health.”
ENDS
Notes to
editors:
Bus
companies must ‘get a grip’ on face
coverings
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