NT government rushes to reassure about Howard Springs bus driver precautions after Sydney COVID-19 case raises concerns

THE NT government has rushed to reassure Territorians about safety procedures for bus drivers transporting repatriated Australians into quarantine after concerns were raised about a Sydney bus driver who contracted COVID-19 last month.

THE NT government has rushed to reassure Territorians about safety procedures for bus drivers transporting repatriated Australians into quarantine after concerns were raised about a Sydney bus driver who contracted COVID-19 last month.

In response to questions from the NT News, a spokeswoman from the Department from the COVID-19 Operations Centre said bus drivers were only tested if they developed symptoms of COVID-19, but were required to take other precautions.

“They are required to wear full PPE (personal protective equipment), which includes a mask, gown, face shield and gloves whilst undertaking their duties,” the spokeswoman said.

Evacuees from Wuhan Province in China arrive via bus at Manigurr-ma Village, Howard Springs in February 2020. Picture: Che Chorley

MORE COVID-19 NEWS

Repatriated Aussie in NT quarantine tests positive to COVID-19

Defence personnel from ‘multiple countries around the world’ quarantining at unidentified Darwin site

More than 2200 overseas arrivals enter Howard Springs facility

“Drivers remain separated from passengers, with no direct contact with them or their luggage.

“All vehicles used in the transport task are specially cleaned.”

It comes after a bus driver who drove international flight crews to and from Sydney Airport tested positive for COVID-19 in December.

During a press conference on Monday, Health Minister Natasha Fyles announced that there had been no changes to current COVID-19 hot spots, with the NT government “closely monitoring” clusters in Victoria and parts of NSW.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles addresses the media with a COVID-19 update. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Ms Fyles said that NT Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie had not yet made Melbourne a hot spot because all of the recent cases were linked to people in isolation after attending a Thai restaurant in Black Rock.

NT NEWS sizzling new deal: Get all your news for just $5 a month

Currently, the Greater Sydney area is the only declared COVID-19 hot spot for the purpose of travel to the NT.