COVID-19: Guidance for Student Transportation
COVID-19: Guidance for Student Transportation
Student transportation vehicles can operate at full capacity. If possible, eating or drinking in the vehicles should be avoided unless 2 metres of physical distance can be maintained between individuals. Operable windows and roof vents (if applicable) should be open when feasible to increase ventilation.
Monitoring for Symptoms
Reminder for all faculty, staff, students, and contractors (e.g., bus drivers) involved on the day of the trip:
- If you feel sick, do not go on the trip and inform your supervisor or course instructor.
- If you become sick during the trip, inform your supervisor or course instructor immediately, who should take measures to protect the others around you. U of G COVID-19 Call Centre at 519-824-4120, extension 53906 can provide guidance and connect you with supports from Student Health Services or Occupational Health and Wellness as necessary. Refer to U of G webpage “What to do when you’re sick or have been exposed” for more information.
- Those who plan for trips should refer to their departmental contingency plan in the event where a participant feels sick during the trip.
Hand Hygiene
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol should be available. In a bus, they should be available near the entrance (for everyone to use when boarding and exiting the bus) and multiple locations throughout the bus (for students to use during the trip).
- Before and after each trip, everyone should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry hands with a paper towel or with cloth towel that no one else will share.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean / Disinfect
- There is a low risk associated with COVID-19 transmission from touching a contaminated surface.
- From a COVID-19 transmissibility perspective, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces before and after use is no longer considered necessary. However, be mindful of high touch surfaces and always practice good hygiene.
Respiratory Etiquette when Coughing or Sneezing
- Cough or sneeze into the elbow or a tissue, even with a face mask on.
- Dispose of any tissues used as soon as possible in a garbage bag.
Wear a Mask
- Everyone inside the vehicle is required to wear a medical style mask. If individuals inside the vehicle must remove their masks to eat or drink, 2 metres of physical distance must be maintained.
- The mask should be replaced when it’s damaged, soiled or damp. All participants should bring extra masks.
- When worn properly, wearing a mask can help protect you and others from COVID-19.
- Follow the EHS COVID-19 guidelines for Medical Masks including the precautions below:
- Consistently and strictly adhere to the other precautionary measures described above.
- Do not use a mask that is ripped, visibly soiled or wet of if the ear loops are damaged.
- Wash or sanitize hands immediately before putting it on and immediately after taking it off (in addition to practicing good hand hygiene while wearing it).
- The mask should fit securely to the head and completely cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping.
- Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth when removing their mask and wash hands immediately or use hand sanitizer after removing.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it.
- When removing the mask, grasp the ties or ear loops carefully without touching the front of the mask.