•     It is a requirement for all passengers to wear face masks when using public transport.

•     School pupils using public transport or school transport must wear face masks when on board.

•     Drivers, conductors and the bus crew are required to provide information by explaining the compulsory requirement on wearing face masks

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has advised  passengers and public transport operators  to observe their legal obligation to wear a face mask  when on public transport and follow all Public Health guidelines to mitigate the risk of the spread of the coronavirus in line with Statutory Instrument number 22 of 2020.

In a statement made available to Money FM News, Agency Director and Chief Executive Officer Gladwell Banda has since urged passengers and public transport operators to always wear face masks when using public transport in order to minimize the risk of exposure to coronavirus on public transport adding that It is an offence not to wear a face mask on public transport.

“All passengers and public transport operators are hereby advised of their legal obligation to wear a face mask on public transport and follow all Public Health guidelines to mitigate the risk of the spread of the coronavirus in line with Statutory Instrument Number 22 of 2020 the Public Health,” he said.

Mr Banda said school pupils using public transport or school transport must wear face masks when on board especially as schools open on 1st February 2021.

“It is a requirement for all passengers to wear face masks when using public transport (Buses or Taxis); school pupils using public transport or school transport must wear face masks when on board and drivers, conductors and the bus crew are required to provide information by explaining the compulsory requirement on wearing face masks on public transport and ensuring that passengers oblige,” Mr Banda said.

He explained that drivers, conductors and the bus crew are required to provide information by explaining the compulsory requirement on wearing face masks on public transport and ensuring that passengers oblige.

Mr Banda has advised drivers not to carry a passenger who refuse to wear a face mask when boarding a bus or taxi.

He further said the Agency is on high alert to ensure total compliance on the outlined measures to minimize the risk of exposure to coronavirus among the travelling public.