COVID-19: Haryana Government issued SOPs for interstate bus travel

The Haryana Government has recently issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as per guidelines laid out by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for travelling in the bushes under the Haryana Roadways. The SOPs are meant to prevent the spread of Coronavirus among the citizens, and aim to ensure safety of every passenger during bus travel.

ID proofs, Aarogya Setu app mandatory
As per the SOP, anyone travelling from one state to another must have their valid ID proof and tickets (either hard copy or electronic copy). The bus staff and passengers should have the Aarogya Setu app downloaded on their mobile phones for the journey. In addition, no staff member or passenger aboard the bus should have any symptom of COVID-19. In case a passenger or staff member is found to be having any such symptom, he/she should be quickly asked to alight from the bus and other persons in contact with him/her should be sent home for quarantine for 14 days.

Passenger limit in buses, sanitisation rules
In a bus, the number of passengers should not be more than 30 or 35. Every bus in operation should be properly sanitised from inside, as well as outside. Each bus should have a bottle of sanitiser which should be used by the staff frequently during the trip. Passengers are also advised to carry hand sanitisers in their bag. Wearing a mask to cover the mouth is compulsory for every person.
Physical distancing to be followed in buses

Maintaining physical distance inside the bus during travel and at the bus stands is a must for the passengers following NCOVID protocol. Also, spitting inside the bus or outside is prohibited. Passengers must cover their mouth while coughing or sneezing.

No passenger will board without thermal check

Every passenger boarding the bus should be screened for COVID-19 symptoms by the bus staff. No one running high temperature should be allowed to get aboard the bus. The staff performing thermal screening should wear PPE kits and clean them properly afterward.