Brookvale bus drivers sent home over coronavirus fears
Bus drivers from the Brookvale depot were sent home over fears they could have come into contact with the coronavirus via family members recently back from China.
Manly
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Two bus drivers and an administrator from the Brookvale depot and another bus driver from Willoughby were sent home over fears they could have come into contact with the coronavirus.
One Brookvale driver is believed to have been working for five days following his wife’s return from China before he self-declared.
Two others also revealed they had family returning from mainland China in the last few days.
All three had not been to mainland China themselves.
A State Transit Authority spokesman said a precautionary step of sending them home was arranged, but they had since been advised by NSW Health that it was unnecessary.
The spokesman said State Transit had erred on the side of caution to protect staff and customers because they were a frontline agency.
“There are no indications that these bus operators, or their families, have any symptoms of the virus,” the spokesman said.
“We have since been advised by NSW Health that people in these circumstances do not need to self-isolate.
“In light of the advice from NSW Health, we will be returning these employees to work as soon as practical.
“In returning these staff to work, State Transit will work with NSW Health to ensure all staff are provided with assurance that it is safe for these employees to return to work.”
A Brookvale admin staff member who has also been in contact with family recently back from China will continue to work from home.
David Babineau, Secretary of the Tram and Bus Division of the RTBU, said the situation had been confusing for staff.
“It’s been particularly difficult for our local bus drivers in the Brookvale Depot who have been at the forefront of the issue,” he said.
He added that State Transit had been very cautious — perhaps overly so — with its approach with bus drivers, and given the confusion around the issue the union completely respect and appreciate that.
“Given the nature of the job, bus drivers are naturally very cautious when it comes to public health issues such as this,” Mr Babineau said.
“The whole situation has been confusing for bus drivers who just want to do the right thing by themselves, commuters and their families.”
Mr Babineau said the union will be continuing to stay in regular contact with the Government’s health advisers to ensure that bus drivers are kept across the latest information and make certain that any potential risk posed to members and the travelling public is minimised as much as possible.