Bus drivers could be tested as coronavirus checks expanded

Bus drivers could be next in line to be tested as the UK Government moves to expand Covid-19 checks for essential workers.

Bus drivers could receive testing next under an expansion of Covid-19 measures. Picture Lisa Ferguson

Downing Street is reported to have said yesterday it wanted “much broader groups of key workers” to be eligible for checks.

It it understood the demand from the NHS has been less than expected, which has led the UK Government to plan extended testing to those working in other frontline services, including bus drivers.

The announcement comes as a new drive-through coronavirus testing centre is set to open at Inverness Campus in the next few days.

These centres are already in operation at Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports.

Over the weekend one of three testing “mega labs” in the UK opened in Glasgow, which is due to start processing samples next week.

Trade union Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) welcomed Downing Street’s confirmation that bus drivers could be next in line for Covid-19 testing.

The union called on the Scottish Government to follow suit by including ScotRail and CalMac workers.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “Sadly we have already seen bus drivers and railway workers across Britain die from the coronavirus.

“Public transport workers are true heroes, keeping buses, trains and ferries running so that key workers like NHS and retail staff can get to work.

“In England, the Department for Health and Social Care has already asked Transport for London and Network Rail to start testing their staff for Covid-19.

“Now Nicola Sturgeon needs to follow their example and instruct ScotRail and CalMac, as well as Scotland’s bus companies, to do the same.”

Across the UK measures have been put in place already to protect bus drivers as much as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

Transport for London have installed enhanced safety measures such as extensive daily cleaning that takes place across the bus network, ensuring that ‘touch points’ on buses, including steering wheel, poles, doors and handles, are treated with anti-viral cleaner every night.

The service will also be trialling middle-door only boarding on buses.

It has been reported mass screening of NHS staff showing no symptoms will also be considered to fill the unused testing space in laboratories.

According to leading scientists, this would help protect patients and help their understanding of how the virus is spreading.

On Friday health secretary Matt Hancock told MPs on the health select committee: “One of the further things we’re considering, but have not yet been able to take forward, is the mass testing of asymptomatic staff within the NHS.”

He said he was in discussions with hospital chiefs about testing.

The Scottish Government was contacted for comment last night.