The following recommendations were developed in consultation with public health officials from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are being provided in an effort to assist schools in districts in pupil transportation operational decision making.
Social Distancing and Capacity
- The number of students on the bus should be a maximum of 67% of standard capacity.
- Allow only one child on a seat at a time to the extent possible.
- To allow up to 67% capacity, some seats may be occupied by two students. The first uses of two students on a seat should pair household members together on the seat.
- Three students on a seat should not occur.
- As feasible, consider increasing the number of buses in use to decrease the number of seats with double occupancy.
- Consider use of assigned seats which remain consistent, in order to facilitate the spreading out of students as much as possible and the seating of household members together as necessary. Alternately, may consider an adult monitor on the bus to ensure appropriate seating is occurring.
- As possible, load the bus back-to-front.
Cleaning and Disinfection
- Frequently wipe down with disinfectant frequently touched surfaces, including those in the entrance touched by passengers, such as handrails, and those touched by the driver.
- Disinfect with a product that is EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19, diluted bleach solution, or alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method, contact time, and personal protective equipment).
- Ensure adequate supplies to support frequent cleaning and disinfection practices.
Ventilation
- Increase air exchange on the bus and the input of outside air via available mechanisms, including opening the roof vents and some windows as weather allows.
- For buses with air conditioning, increasing circulation of outside air should still be performed to the extent possible, since the air conditioning on these buses only recirculates interior air.
- Recognize that frequent openings of the door will also increase air exchange.
Personal Prevention Practices
- Drivers and students are encouraged to wear face coverings consistent with recommendations from DHEC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Cloth face coverings should not be used on children under two years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone unable to remove the face covering without assistance.
Messaging to Parents
- Educate drivers and students and their parents on the symptoms of COVID-19 and the importance of staying home if they have any of the symptoms or if anyone in their household tests positive for the disease.
- Frequently message to parents via a variety of methods the importance of social distancing, including not allowing students to congregate at bus stops.
- Translate messaging to appropriate languages.
References
