YBS drivers get jabbed with Sinopharm first shot

In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 across the country and reduce the death caused by the COVID-19, the government offered COVID-19 vaccinations under the priority programme in the regions and states. The drivers of Yangon Bus Service (YBS) and the staff of Yangon Region Transport Committee got Sinopharm shot in the morning of 14 October accordingly to the guidelines for the COVID-19.
“With the approval of Yangon Region Government, the Region Public Health Department in coordination with the Township Administration Body plans to administer the COVID-19 vaccinations to 1,000 people per day between 13 and 16 October. This vaccination programme will cover the bus drivers and staff from 19 YBS bus line public companies, four private companies, said U Lian Qingman, joint secretary of YRTC.
“YRTC has been conducting the awareness campaign of COVID-19 since the early outbreak in Myanmar, including handing out free face masks. The passengers are mandatory to wear the mask on the bus and they are advised to practice social distancing. All the drivers are ordered to wear the face mask. Moreover, the buses are disinfected after each route,” he continued.
The team, including health staff, Tamadaw nurses, staff of township general administration department and the authorities concerned, help check blood pressure, blood oxygen, pulse, temperature before the COVID jab and ensure social distancing in the queue.
“YBS drivers are at high risk of infections. I am so glad that the drivers got the COVID-19 shot. The vaccination programs help reduce the risks and infection. Awareness programs for both the drivers and the passengers are required regarding the COVID-19 guidelines to contain the spread of the COVID-19,” said a bus driver.
About 200 YBS bus lines under the guidance of YRTC is daily providing service for 230,000 commuters. A total of 33 staff of YRTC, 3,999 staff and drivers of YBS companies will get vaccinated, according to YRTC. – Naing Lin Aung (IPRD)/GNLM