ID :
77252
Thu, 08/27/2009 - 16:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/77252
The shortlink copeid
H1N1: TRANSPORT OPERATORS LUKEWARM TO GUIDELINES
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Passengers using public transports claimed
that operators were not taking adequate precautionary measures to contain
influenza A(H1N1) that has so far claimed 71 lives.
A commuter, Khairul Amri Khairuddin, 32, said whenever he travelled by bus
or the light rail transit (LRT), he was worried that someone on board could be
infected with the flu.
"It is just like a time bomb as other passengers are exposed to the flu," he
told Bernama.
He said operators also did not provide surgical masks to passengers and did
not sanitise the buses.
Aiza Amiruddin, 22, suggested that transport operators provide anti-bacteria
soaps or hand sanitisers for passengers to wash their hands.
"LRT operators should ensure that toilets at LRT stations are always clean
and adequate bins are provided for commuters," she said.
Ismail Haron, 62, said he wondered whether bus drivers were briefed on the
pandemic and ways to stop swine flu from spreading.
"They have not been wearing surgical masks while some of the buses are so
dirty," he said, adding that the Health Ministry should enforce the guidelines
for transport operators.
The ministry has posted the guidelines for the transportation industry on
its website http://h1n1.moh.gov.my specifying measures on board, the need to
maintain good ventilation in vehicles, ensuring the cleanliness of vehicle
compartments and advice to passengers.
It said where possible announcement should be made on board (train and bus)
for passengers with the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) to identify themselves.
Open the windows whenever possible to ensure good ventilation, it said,
adding that for closed vehicle compartments, clean the air-conditioning system
frequently to maintain a clean environment.
The ministry stated that vehicle compartments (surfaces, door handles,
railings) must be kept clean and they should be washed or wiped with diluted
sodium hypochlorite regularly.
It said tissue paper and vomit bags should be made available for passengers'
use when necessary.
If vehicle compartments are contaminated with vomits or other body fluids,
they must be washed or wiped with diluted sodium hypochlorite immediately, it
added.
Passengers are advised to observe personal hygiene by washing their hands
with soap and water and avoid touching their eyes and nose.
It said they must cover their nose and mouth with handkerchief or tissue
paper when sneezing or coughing.
-- BERNAMA
that operators were not taking adequate precautionary measures to contain
influenza A(H1N1) that has so far claimed 71 lives.
A commuter, Khairul Amri Khairuddin, 32, said whenever he travelled by bus
or the light rail transit (LRT), he was worried that someone on board could be
infected with the flu.
"It is just like a time bomb as other passengers are exposed to the flu," he
told Bernama.
He said operators also did not provide surgical masks to passengers and did
not sanitise the buses.
Aiza Amiruddin, 22, suggested that transport operators provide anti-bacteria
soaps or hand sanitisers for passengers to wash their hands.
"LRT operators should ensure that toilets at LRT stations are always clean
and adequate bins are provided for commuters," she said.
Ismail Haron, 62, said he wondered whether bus drivers were briefed on the
pandemic and ways to stop swine flu from spreading.
"They have not been wearing surgical masks while some of the buses are so
dirty," he said, adding that the Health Ministry should enforce the guidelines
for transport operators.
The ministry has posted the guidelines for the transportation industry on
its website http://h1n1.moh.gov.my specifying measures on board, the need to
maintain good ventilation in vehicles, ensuring the cleanliness of vehicle
compartments and advice to passengers.
It said where possible announcement should be made on board (train and bus)
for passengers with the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) to identify themselves.
Open the windows whenever possible to ensure good ventilation, it said,
adding that for closed vehicle compartments, clean the air-conditioning system
frequently to maintain a clean environment.
The ministry stated that vehicle compartments (surfaces, door handles,
railings) must be kept clean and they should be washed or wiped with diluted
sodium hypochlorite regularly.
It said tissue paper and vomit bags should be made available for passengers'
use when necessary.
If vehicle compartments are contaminated with vomits or other body fluids,
they must be washed or wiped with diluted sodium hypochlorite immediately, it
added.
Passengers are advised to observe personal hygiene by washing their hands
with soap and water and avoid touching their eyes and nose.
It said they must cover their nose and mouth with handkerchief or tissue
paper when sneezing or coughing.
-- BERNAMA
