Bus driver worked for eight days after returning from overseas
A Perth bus driver interacted with more than 130 passengers while infected with COVID-19 as he worked on the road for eight days after returning from overseas.
The Western Australia government said 137 passengers paid their bus fare in cash across the driver’s eight shifts from March 9 to 18.
The risky routes were the 506, 507, 509, 517, 178, 999, 518, 527 and 537.
The driver returned from a holiday in the United States on March 7, before the 14-day self-isolation requirement was established, The West Australian reported.
He returned a positive test for COVID-19 on Monday.
Swan Transit was now reviewing CCTV and tracing contact to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.
Other passengers who travelled on the driver’s bus and used a contactless Smartrider are “casual contacts” and do not need to self-isolate, a government spokesman said.
“According to health guidelines, casual contacts don’t need to be concerned and do not need to be excluded from work or school, unless they become unwell, which is the health advice for every Western Australian,” the spokesman said.
“They should closely monitor their health, and if any symptoms are experienced they need to seek medical advice.”
Earlier this month, the Public Transport Authority introduced increased sanitation measures, with buses being required to be sanitised each evening.
The WA premier Mark McGowan said anyone arriving into the state must now self-isolate for 14 days.
As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 175 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state.