COVID-19 testing for West Midlands drivers

Bus drivers are among frontline transport staff now being tested for coronavirus in the West Midlands.

The testing is intended to not only ensure safety of bus drivers, but also train and Metro company staff. It will also be a positive for key workers, such as hospital staff, who are still using the network during the lockdown.

Frontline transport staff who fear they have Covid-19 or have come into contact with someone with symptoms can be tested and either isolated if the result is positive or safely return to work if it is negative.

The tests have been arranged by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), working in collaboration with the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and its chief executive Toby Lewis as well as the Department for Health and Social Care.

Testing of transport staff is currently focussed on those working in frontline roles including drivers and conductors, station staff including cleaners and security roles and ticket office staff. Tests will also be available for engineers and vehicle cleaning staff where possible. Tests will be given to those showing symptoms (a persistent cough or high temperature) and those who live with or have been in direct contact with someone with symptoms.