The State Government is taking swift and decisive action to help protect public transport users from the spread of coronavirus, with increased cleaning and a public awareness campaign to begin this week.
The South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA) has increased cleaning schedules across all public transport modes and are using disinfectant products recommended under national health guidelines.
In addition to standard cleaning, extra crews are being used across all modes with particular focus being given to hard surfaces such as hand rails, validators and push buttons.
Premier Steven Marshall said the State Government’s number one priority is the health and well being of all South Australians and these measures will help safeguard public transport users.
“These additional cleaning measures on our public transport network are part of our plan, and another practical step, to help minimise the risk to South Australians,” said Premier Marshall.
“South Australians can rest assured that we are taking every precaution necessary based on expert health advice to safeguard them from the coronavirus.”
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephan Wade said these measures are part of the Marshall Government’s strong plan to protect and prepare South Australia from the impact of coronavirus.
“We are delivering on our commitment to act swiftly and decisively so that South Australians can be assured the Government has a clear and strong plan and is rolling it out to tackle this virus,” said Minister Wade.
“We are blessed to have world-class clinicians working around the clock preparing for all scenarios.”
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll reassured passengers that the safety of passengers and staff remains the highest priority.
“We are taking these additional measures to help protect South Australians who deliver and rely on public transport to get to work or go about their daily lives,” said Minister Knoll.
While SAPTA urges public transport customers to not travel on public transport if you are feeling ill, all public transport customers and the wider South Australian community are advised to be alert to the threat of the Coronavirus and adhere to health advice.
At this stage, there are no impacts to public transport services, with the exception of Footy Express, however, SAPTA will act on advice from authorities or within operational constraints to change schedules if required.
SAPTA is in regular contact with national transport bodies to ensure a consistent approach is taken.
The best protection against infection is hygiene and the promotion of Wash, Cover, Avoid message:
- WASH your hands with soap and use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- COVER coughs and sneezes and dispose of tissues. If no tissue is available, cough into the crook of your arm
- AVOID direct contact such as handshakes, embracing and kissing.
Follow @AdelaideMetroSA on Twitter for updates, visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au for more information or contact the Adelaide Metro InfoLine on 1300 311 108. For more information about COVID-19 and what you can do to stop the spread visit www.health.gov.au.
