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2020.09.08
20 Deputy I. Gardiner of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding LibertyBus
drivers: (OQ.225/2020)
Will the Minister advise why the wearing of face masks by LibertyBus drivers is currently optional and not mandatory?
Deputy K.C. Lewis (The Minister for Infrastructure):
Jersey has no legislation to mandate the wearing of face coverings and for the health and safety of everyone on board our bus services the wearing of coverings for bus drivers must be for them to choose. It is essential for drivers to be comfortable and to have nothing impairing their vision while operating large passenger-carrying vehicles. Masks can potentially cause glasses to steam up or rise up on the driver's line of sight.
4.20.1 Deputy I. Gardiner :
Would the Minister agree that the public policy should apply equally to all, similar to France, including clients and employees and that other countries have introduced mandatory face masks for the drivers to be sure that everybody is protected; why should we be different?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
During summer 2020 the wearing of face coverings by passengers was made a condition of carriage by LibertyBus in order that buses can be restored to full capacity. This has the support of the public health authorities and recognises that bus passengers may be in close proximity to others for moderate periods of time, typically 10 to 30 minutes. Bus passengers are only in close proximity to the driver momentarily when they are hopefully scanning their AvanchiCard, students or other cards or fare collection is taking place. While travelling passengers are at least one metre distance from the driver, usually much, much more the cab area.
The Bailiff :
Deputy Maçon, you have asked to ask a question, that was the supplementary question afforded to Deputy Gardiner , as there was no indication anyone wanted a question before that; that is the final supplementary, I am afraid.