Coronavirus: SMRT drivers found infected drove bus services 976, 184 and 176

Four coronavirus patients linked to a cluster at Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub are all bus drivers, said transport operator SMRT on Sunday (July 26).

The cluster was first announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday night.

According to SMRT, three of the drivers contracted Covid-19 in their households.

The last driver, a 28-year-old Malaysian work permit holder, was confirmed positive on Thursday.

MOH said on Friday that his infection was detected as part of the ministry's proactive case finding of individuals working at a newly emergent workplace cluster, adding that his results indicated that he was likely to have a past infection and was no longer infectious.

However, the worker showed symptoms on July 1 and subsequently went to work at Ulu Pandan Bus Depot and Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub.

All four drivers tested positive between July 7 and July 24, said SMRT.

They drove bus services 976, 184 and 176.

SMRT's chief communications officer Margaret Teo said the company is closely monitoring the drivers' conditions and offering help to their families.

She added that SMRT's employees who were in close contact with the four have been placed on leave of absence.

A Land Transport Authority spokesman also said SMRT is assisting MOH with contact-tracing, as well as disinfecting buses and common facilities.

As a precautionary measure, SMRT has closed off the canteen and staff lounge at the transport hub for thorough cleaning and disinfection, said the spokesman, who added that the risk of transmission from transient contact such as commuting on public transport is assessed to be low.

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.