READING-BASED Horseman Coaches has provided a public statement about the safety of their services after the company transported evacuees following the CoronaVirus outbreak.
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Horseman Coaches is a private coach hire company operating throughout Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Slough, West Berkshire, Oxfordshire and across the south east.
The company helped successfully repatriate 83 Britons from RAF Brize Norton yesterday (Friday, January 31).
Horseman Coaches said it had provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for all drivers involved, but that military personnel medics and government officials told the drivers that the equipment was not necessary due to the precautions already taken by the Department for Health and Public Health England.
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Government officials confirmed that drivers wearing PPE equipment while driving posed a greater risk to the safety of passengers.
Horseman Coaches said that a photographed individual wearing a PPE suit was in direct contact with each of the 83 Britons, so needed to wear protective clothing.
Company director James Horseman said: "The individuals repatriated have not had direct contact with any drivers and officials from PHE have been present to supervise and manage the situation at all times.
"PHE has confirmed all drivers may return to work immediately, however Horseman Coaches has asked all drivers to remain at home on full pay and benefits for the next 10 working days under quarantine conditions as an additional precautionary measure.
"We wish to reassure our customers that every recommendation made by the deputy chief medical officer for Public Health England has been correctly followed and implemented.
"The five coaches used, out of 62 in our fleet, will remain locked in a secure facility for a minimum of 10 working days after a military-grade cleansing process has been completed as an additional precautionary measure.
"PHE (Public Health England) has confirmed that there will be no risk to any future passengers."
For further updates visit the website.
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