Surrey bus driver reportedly tests positive for COVID-19
Posted April 7, 2020 9:37 am.
Last Updated April 7, 2020 10:30 am.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) — TransLink has confirmed a bus driver from Surrey is claiming to have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
While the case has not been confirmed by public health officials, TransLink says relevant buses and workspaces have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
The case would be the third Coast Mountain Bus Company employee to test positive for COVID-19.
The first employee worked out of the Burnaby Transit Centre, and the second worked out of the Port Coquitlam Transit Centre.
Ben Murphy, with TransLink, said there is no elevated risk to the public at this time.
“The employee has our full support and we wish them a speedy recovery,” Murphy said. “British Columbia has very strict privacy laws and whether to disclose any further details on this case would be a matter for the provincial health officer.”
Balbir Mann, president UNIFOR Local 111, said the driver last worked on March 21. Mann said the driver felt symptoms and on his day off, April 3, went to get tested. The result was positive, he added.
Mann has since spoken to the driver.
“He’s in high spirits. He’s doing well. He’s on his Day 10.”
Mann said the union has been asking for more disinfecting of buses and that is being done to drivers’ compartments daily now.
-With files from Kurtis Doering
