The Bayelsa State government has banned persons coughing, sneezing or showing any sign of respiratory infection from boarding any commercial vehicle and speed boat operating in the state.

This was contained in a statement on Monday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Ere Efeke, as part of measures to manage the coronavirus pandemic in the transport sector of the state.

He said that all vehicles would henceforth carry a maximum of the driver, one passenger in front seat and two passengers per seat while Keke riders would have two passengers at any time with only the rider in front.

Efeke also said that boats were not allowed to carry more than two passengers per seat even as boats and vehicles should have properly covered refuse collection bins.

He further said:

“All transport operators/companies are expected to have at their entrances, hand-washing equipment with soap and running water.

“All operators shall have alcohol-based sanitizers in their vehicles for use of driver, conductors and passengers.

“All taxis and buses should restock their vehicles with wipes, tissues and other disposable items for use by passengers to wipe down doors and other handles.”

The government, while strongly discouraging non-essential travels, directed the vehicle inspection officers of the ministry and the NURTW, TOAN, RTEAN ” and other law enforcement agents” to supervise, coordinate and enforce the directives.