Expect minimal to no bus services in Viti Levu tomorrow – Bus Operators Association

Bus services will be normal today however people can expect minimal to no bus services in Viti Levu tomorrow.

This has been confirmed by the Fiji Bus Operators Association President Nisar Ali Shah who says this is in line with government’s decision that there will be only essential movement on Viti Levu from 7pm tonight to 4am Monday.

Shah adds all bus drivers have been told to wear masks and they will also have to enforce this from today as passengers are also required to wear masks.

He says those bus drivers who do not have masks will not be allowed to drive buses.

All public transport drivers and passengers are required to wear masks and have the careFiji app from today or they will not be allowed to be in the vehicle.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong has thanked people who have started wearing masks however he is calling on everyone to wear a mask.

He also stresses to people to ensure you cover your nose, not just your mouth, when you wear a mask or else it would be just like a mouthguard.

Dcotor Fong says it should not just be a box-ticking exercise.

He stresses that we all should wear masks properly.

Doctor Fong says there is a real concern for maskless people at the bus stand.

He says from today, mask-wearing is required in all public transport.

All drivers and passengers will have to wear masks. Drivers will not be allowed to drive if they don't wear masks.

People will not be allowed to board public transport if they do not have masks.

Strict physical distancing is required in all public transport – that includes buses and mini buses.

Doctor Fong says this will not be convenient but it is necessary. He says if this virus takes hold of our community, no one will be driving anyone anywhere.

The Permanent Secretary says drivers and transport operators must make this sacrifice or they will not be operating at all.

If they do not follow, those businesses will be shut down.

Land Transport Authority officials will also be on the ground to enforce this.