A A

Halifax Transit has adopted some new measures for the holiday weekend to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 after the Nova Scotia Health Authority warned of recent potential exposures to the virus on three bus routes.

A health authority news release Thursday listed routes 10 (Dalhousie), 60 (Eastern Passage/Heritage Hills) and 62 (Wildwood in Dartmouth).

The potential exposure times and dates were:

Route 10 - April 3 from 5:56 PM to 1:04 AM

Route 60 - April 4 from1:33 PM to 4:27 PM; 5:33 PM to 8:20 PM

Route 62 - April 4 from 12:27 PM to 1:33 PM; 4:27 PM to 5:33 PM

“Public health is directly contacting anyone known to be a close contact of the person who was confirmed to have COVID-19,” the authority said. “While most people have been contacted, there could be some contacts that public health is not aware of."

The release gives no more details but Halifax Transit confirmed Wednesday that a bus driver had tested positive for the virus.

Anyone exposed to the virus on the named dates on these bus routes may develop symptoms up to and including April 18, the release said, adding people should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Those symptoms can include fever, a new or worsening cough, runny nose, headache and sore throat.

Halifax Transit announced Thursday that alternating seats on buses will be blocked off to further reduce capacity by about 50 per cent depending on the model of bus.

Yellow caution tape that was previously at the front of the bus to separate the driver from passengers will be replaced with a yellow cord. Signs will indicate which seats are reserved for passengers with mobility needs.

Passengers will continue to use the rear doors to get on and off buses unless the front doors are required for accessibility.

Capacity on ferries will be reduced to 25 passengers per trip and food and drink will be prohibited to cut down on litter.

Over the coming week, alternating seats will be blocked off with signage at some transit terminals.

“These changes will significantly reduce capacity and as a result, transit should be used for essential travel only,” Halifax Transit said.

“Those who are feeling ill should not use any transit service until their health returns to normal.”