Arriva have announced that face coverings must be worn by all customers on board their buses from 15th June, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The UK government announced earlier this month that face coverings will be mandatory while using public transport in England, while the Welsh government have recommended wearing ‘three-layer face coverings’ on public transport, but have said a mandatory approach would not be practical.

The World Health Organisation is recommending as part of the wider range of measures to prevent transmission, three-layer face coverings should be encouraged in situations where social distancing and hygiene measures are difficult to maintain.

The Welsh Government said in a statement: “Social distancing and hygiene measures are by far the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

“Public transport providers across Wales have introduced measures to ensure a 2m distance between passengers is possible most of the time, but we realise this is not always possible to maintain.

“The clear advice from the WHO and our own Technical Advisory Group is that we should recommend, rather than mandate, the use of three-layer face coverings on worn on public transport.

“We have also considered how realistic or fair it would be for public transport workers to enforce a mandatory approach and feel it would not be practical.”

The Unite Union have welcomed the move by Arriva and have called for Welsh Government to ensure face coverings are mandatory on public transport.

Unite Wales Regional Secretary Peter Hughes said: “Unite Wales warmly welcomes Arriva’s decision to make face coverings compulsory for those using its bus services across Wales.

“Despite the current Welsh Government position of only recommending their use, Arriva has taken the common sense approach.

“This decision will increase safety on their buses and increase the confidence of the general public to travel with them.

“Welsh Government must now realise that they should not be leaving important public health decisions such as this in the hands of transport providers.

“It is time for Welsh Government to review its decision and make face coverings compulsory on public transport in Wales.

“If this does not happen, Unite would encourage all bus operators in Wales to put the health and safety of drivers and passengers first, and adopt the same stance that Arriva has taken on face coverings.”

Some travellers may be exempt from wearing a face covering, this includes children under the age of 11, people with breathing difficulties and those with health conditions or a disability that might make it difficult to wear a face covering.

For more information about face coverings and exclusions, please visit: www.arrivabus.co.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-faqs/

Arriva gave some more advice on wearing a face covering:

– A face covering can be very simple, like a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head to give a snug fit. It just needs to cover your mouth and nose. You can find out how to make one here: www.gov.uk/…/how…/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering
– Please put your face covering on before boarding the bus and wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on.
– Please wear your face covering throughout the duration of your journey, including when disembarking the bus.
– If you need a drink or to take medication while travelling, please do so quickly and be mindful of others.
– To keep everyone safe, please store a used face covering in a plastic bag and take it home or dispose of it safely.
– As our drivers sit behind screens, they do not need to wear a face covering while they are in their cab.
– Journey assistance cards are available for all our customers that are exempt. If you feel you would benefit by carrying one with you on board, you can download them here: www.arrivabus.co.uk/travel-…/how-to-obtain-assistance-cards/