Bus Guidelines
The following guidelines have been implemented for student transportation on Aberdeen Hall buses:
-Buses used for transporting students will be cleaned and disinfected according to the guidance provided by BCCDC's Guidelines on Cleaning and Disinfectants. Additional guidance is available from Transport Canada.
-Bus drivers will clean their hands often, including before and after completing trips. They are encouraged to regularly use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol during trips.
-Bus drivers will assess themselves daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 prior to entering the school or worksite.
-Bus drivers are required to wear a non-medical mask, a face covering or a face shield (in which case a non-medical mask should be worn in addition to the face shield) when they cannot maintain physical distance or be behind a physical barrier in the course of their duties. Schools will have non-medical masks.
-Parents and caregivers must assess their child daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, COVID-19, or other infectious respiratory disease before sending them to school. If a child has any symptoms, they must not take the bus or go to school.
-Guest passengers on the bus will not be permitted, only those assigned to the route may ride.
-Students may not consume food or beverages while riding the bus, with the exception of a personal water bottle. Lunch and snacks must remain in the students backpack or lunch kit.
-Students should clean their hands before they leave home to take the bus, when they leave school prior to taking the bus, and when they get home.
-Where possible, bus line up areas should be set up to prevent crowding, and allow for physical distancing of 2m. Schools will attempt to provide support for students who are not able to physically distance.
-Middle and secondary students are required to wear non-medical masks when they are on the bus. Exceptions will be made for students who cannot wear masks for medical reasons.
-Non-medical masks are not recommended for elementary school students due to the increased likelihood they will touch their face and eyes, as well as require assistance to properly put on and take off their mask (requiring increased close personal contact from school staff).
-Liquid Sanitization pumps will be available for use on all school buses.
-Assigned seating will be arranged and implemented. Aberdeen Hall will keep up-to-date passenger and seating arrangement lists to share with public health should contact tracing need to occur. The seating arrangement can be altered whenever necessary to support student health and safety (e.g. accommodating children with a physical disability, responding to behavioural issues, etc.)
-Students will have their own bench (unless sharing with a member of their household) and sit separated side to side and front to back.
-Private vehicle use and active transportation (e.g. biking, walking, etc.) are encouraged where possible to decrease transportation density.
