Coronavirus: How First Portsmouth and Stagecoach bus services are being affected by Covid-19

BUS services in Portsmouth are being impacted by the outbreak of coronavirus.
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The total number of cases of Covid-19 in the city is at four as of 9am on Wednesday, March 18.

The outbreak is also impacting public transport with Wightlink announcing changes to its services.

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While South Western Railway has also warned that there will be cancellations at short notice.

First Portsmouth buses. Picture: Ross Lucas-YoungFirst Portsmouth buses. Picture: Ross Lucas-Young
First Portsmouth buses. Picture: Ross Lucas-Young
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The bus services in Portsmouth are also being disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.

First Portsmouth has announced that as of 1pm on Thursday, March 19 there will be a revised services on the following buses:

- 1

- 2

- 3

- 7

- 8

- E1

- E2

First Portsmouth says it will ‘do our best to run a normal service’.

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While Stagecoach South have also issued a statement about how coronavirus is affecting services.

The company said: ‘At this uncertain time, we want to reassure you that our absolute priority is to protect the safety of our customers and our own employees. Our focus is on how best we can maintain essential services, safeguard jobs and ensure that we continue to be a central part of our economy and communities.

‘Our expert teams are following the very latest advice from the Government and public health authorities regarding coronavirus (COVID-19).

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‘We already have well-established and rigorous cleaning regimes for our buses, coaches and trams, and we’re continuing to enhance the measures we have in place in response to the developing situation with more regular cleaning of the main customer touch-points such as hand poles and grab rails.

‘Don't forget you can use contactless as a method of payment on all of our services, which keeps us all a little safer as it reduces the need for contact.’

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

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What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

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Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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