More positive Covid-19 cases reported at the City’s Rea Vaya Bus stations.
The City of Johannesburg has confirmed additional cases of the virus after a group of employees from Rea Vaya stations came into contact with an employee who tested positive for the virus last week. This is according to a statement released by the City’s transport department which read, “The Rea Vaya station staff who were in direct contact with the roving officer were immediately informed and are in self-isolation. They have been advised to go for testing after seven days as per the City’s Covid-19 protocols.”
MMC for Transport Nonhlanhla Makhuba stated over seven staff members from the transport department have tested positive for Covid-19 to date and are currently in self-isolation. She wished all of these workers a speedy recovery and encouraged the rest of the staff in the department to observe public health protocols at work and at home. Another employee at the Helen Joseph office in Marshalltown has tested positive for Covid-19. Confirmation of the new cases forced the department to shut down its headquarters in the Johannesburg CBD for decontamination to ensure the facility remains safe for all staff and visitors.
The City also expressed its condolences to the family of a pedestrian who died after allegedly being knocked down by a Rea Vaya bus in Booysens on 25 June. According to a statement by the City, the pedestrian was reportedly crossing the Soweto Motorway at the time of the accident. The Rea Vaya T1 bus was travelling from the Joburg CBD to Thokoza Park in Soweto when the accident happened. “
Medical assistance was offered on the scene to the middle-aged man but unfortunately we lost him,” said the MMC. No further injuries to passengers on-board the T1 bus south of Joburg were reported. The City’s transport department awaits the accident report from the JMPD and the affected bus operating company. Makhuba expressed, “We are deeply distressed by the loss of life and injuries of road users. We urge drivers and pedestrians to be extra careful and obey the rules of the road at all times to avoid accidents.”
