BUS DRIVER HAS COVID AS CASES DOUBLE IN CITY CENTRE
A BUS driver in Hull has tested positive for Covid-19, Stagecoach has confirmed.
But the company denies claims by an employer that it has told staff not to use the NHS test and trace app at work.
A driver contacted the Mail anonymously to express concerns they have been told to turn off the app.
In confirming a positive coronavirus test by one of its drivers, a spokesman for Stagecoach East Midlands said:
“We currently have one confirmed case of coronavirus among our employees in Hull and we are taking all the necessary steps to manage this.
“We will continue to follow all of the government and health organisation rules and guidance in place to manage the virus.”
But the driver claims Stagecoach have told staff not to use the app at work.
He said: “A Stagecoach driver in Hull has tested positive for Covid.
“The management are refusing to tell the other drivers who it is and have ordered all drivers to turn off the NHS app when they are at work.
“I know this for a fact as I was in the Stagecoach canteen in the
Interchange when they told us to do this.
“All the drivers think this is disgusting as we come in contact with so many other drivers and members of the public every day.”
But Stagecoach insists it fully supports the use of the NHS app, but says the use of mobile phones while driving has always been outlawed.
A Stagecoach East Midlands spokesperson said: “We fully support our employees’ use of the
NHS track and trace app.
“We do have a long-standing policy in place for mobile phone use, which pre-dates Covid-19, to ensure that bus drivers are not distracted when they are behind the wheel. This means that all mobile phone devices have to be turned off or disabled when driving.
“The safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our first priority and we have strict protocols in place around the management of Covid-19.
“While at work, our drivers are in a sealed personal cab with no contact with members of the public.”