Advice to workers and drivers travelling on the Critical workers transport scheme

The critical workers transport scheme has been set up to support the Council’s critical
workers during these unprecedented times. The aim is to provide a transport service which
can be called upon when there is no alternative to get to work other than public transport.

We are using a variety of modes of transport that have become available as they are not
being used by other users, such as school buses, taxis, adult services vehicles etc.

As you are aware the Government has asked that people stay at home except for 3 reasons,
one of those is to go to work unless work can be done from home. Clearly our critical
workers need to get to their place of work. The Government has advised those going to
work should follow social distancing guidelines where possible. The transport service we are
operating will reduce the need to use public transport so supporting the social distancing
requirement.

We have sought advice from our Infection Control colleagues about what we should do to
maintain social distancing requirements and to mitigate against the spread of the virus
whilst travelling with the new service. Their advice is;

 If you are unwell or showing symptoms of Covid 19 (high temperature, new

persistent cough) stay at home and self-isolate for 7 days and your household will
also need to for 14 days. If you are in one of the Government identified vulnerable
groups these individuals should discuss with their manager/taxi operator regarding
coming into work.
 Before getting into the vehicle and after leaving the vehicle you should wash your
hands for at least 20 seconds in line with government guidelines, either using soap
and water if this is not available alcohol hand gel.
 In order to follow social distancing guidelines only 1 person and a driver will travel in
a Car/taxis.
 Workers who work in the same setting will be able to travel together in larger
vehicles such as mini-buses but we will maintain social distancing spacing.
 In larger vehicles such as coaches, workers from different work premises will be
allowed to travel together but there will be stricter separation distances and controls
to minimise contact such as separation times for pick-ups and drop off.
 Drivers should not be working if they are unwell or if they or household members
are self-isolating with symptoms or if drivers have been written to by the NHS
advising them to stay at home for 12-weeks
 The drivers of the vehicles will be required to clean contact points such as door
handles, hand grips etc before and after each journey.
 The drivers of vehicles will be required to wash and dry the vehicle interior surfaces
with soap and water at the end of each day.
 Where practicable windows should be open within the vehicles to allow enough air
flow.