Preparations to Reopen Schools Post COVID-19 For School Bus Companies
- chandinipillai3
- Mar 29, 2020
- 2 min read
Who knows if school will be reopened for the 2019-2020 school year or if schools will remain closed until September 2020. Regardless, we have to be prepared to deal with the possibility that COVID-19 will still be around in some capacity, where we will have to work together to minimize the spread while returning back to our regular duties.
As the administration of a school bus company, there are several points to consider and actions that can be implemented to protect our drivers, employees, and students.
Prevention
I think everyone will agree with me that prevention is the NUMBER ONE priority. It is of the utmost importance that we educate our drivers to have the mindset that the spread of COVID-19 is possible, but can be prevented with appropriate precautions. Most people, by now, know what the precautions are, however it is important to reinforce this as the company’s priority through sanitization demonstrations.
As an incentive for exemplary behavior and good practice, one recommendation includes companies alloting drivers and matrons an extra 10 minutes before and after trips to sanitize their buses (seat, handrail, driving area) to create a safe environment and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
6 Feet Apart
This is what we have heard from the experts as the recommended distance to maintain. In a school bus, this is difficult to adhere to as children sit side by side with their peers.
We need to reach out to parents and emphasize that they teach their children to the best of their ability how to cover their coughs, sneezes, not to touch too many surfaces and touch their faces, and how to properly use a mask/gloves if provided by parent.
If it is within the means of the company to obtain masks and gloves, they should be provided to all drivers and matrons. Human resource continues to be our greatest asset in this industry, if they become sick, then who will drive our busses?
The Importance of Teamwork
Another area of emphasis is that drivers need to be motivated to follow protocol on their own volition. During this time of limited resources and manpower, supervisors should not have to shadow drivers to ensure they are doing the right thing, when their efforts are better directed in other areas.
Everyone’s safety is at risk with one weak link in the chain.
Once again, we will not know for sure when we will be rid of this virus permanently, however we must continue to behave safely for ourselves, our students, and our families.
I hope everyone is staying safe during this difficult time and look out for our next post. Talk soon!
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