A man has his body temperature checked at the Mien Dong Coach Station in HCMC. The HCMC Department of Transport has asked coaches not to stop in Covid-19-hit regions - PHOTO: LDO

HCMC – The HCMC Department of Transport has requested local passenger transport firms not to travel to Covid-19-hit regions to pick up and drop off passengers from 0 a.m. on May 15.

They should also keep a close watch on the transport arrangement plans of coronavirus-stricken localities and follow them, the local media reported.

In addition, vehicles must not have more than 50% of their seats in use and transport more than 30 people, including drivers and assistants, per trip. Passengers must sit at least one meter away from each other.

In coach stations, the distance between passengers must also be ensured.

The HCMC Department of Transport has also asked coach stations to spray disinfectants every day, especially in areas for pick-ups and drop-offs, ticket boxes and waiting rooms. Transport companies must disinfect coaches after each trip and call on passengers to install the contact tracing app Bluezone.

Inspectors of the department will coordinate with the relevant agencies to inspect and supervise the pandemic prevention and control at coach stations and transport firms and hand out heavy punishments to violators of anti-pandemic regulations.