Bus staff test coronavirus positive, many told to self-isolate

GURUGRAM: A Haryana Roadways bus conductor, who was engaged in ferrying migrant workers to their hometowns, tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, a first in the Gurugram depot. He was in close contact with at least five roommates and several other bus drivers and conductors whose samples have been collected. He has been admitted to a hospital in Hisar and is currently under observation.
Roadways officials confirmed the news and advised drivers who aren't feeling well or have symptoms of cold or headache to inform the senior officials and opt for self-quarantine.
"A bus conductor, who is from Hisar, has tested positive. We have also taken the samples of his roommates and sent it for testing. The result of one of his roommates is out and he tested negative. We are awaiting the other results. The conductor is currently in his home district and is being treated there. We are stepping up contact tracing and other precautionary measures to stop the spread of the virus," Anu Sheokand, general manager, Haryana Roadways, told TOI.
The news has created panic among drivers, conductors and other employees at the Gurugram depot of Haryana roadways. The bus drivers have claimed that even though the department is deploying them in several duties there's no mechanism to test them regularly. "We had apprehended this but now that one of us has tested positive, we are afraid. There's no proper testing done for us. Even the thermal scanner appears to be faulty and isn't reliable. For months we have been asking for preventive care kits and regular sanitisation of offices and buses. But, officials don't even take our calls," said a bus driver.
Earlier this month, TOI had reported that bus drivers who are at the frontline did not receive mask or sanitiser, even though state transport department claimed that it had distributed around 15,000 face masks and 10,000 bottles of hand sanitiser.
Meanwhile, officials claim that they have written to the CMO and sent a list of workers who need to be tested .