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Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

BUS operators have taken heed to Government’s call for vaccination to curb the spread of Covid-19 and have urged fellow stakeholders key to the transport industry to get vaccinated.

Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation member and chief executive of one of the country’s largest bus companies, Inter Africa, Dr Leonard Mukumba on Friday got his first jab and encouraged fellow bus operators to get inoculated.

Dr Mukumba said they were making sure they would abide by the conditions set by Government to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

“I am encouraging all bus operators to get vaccinated along with all their staff members,” he said. “This is to ensure safety as we work with passengers. A passenger will be happy to know that bus operators, drivers and conductors are vaccinated and the buses they are using are safe.

“If we do this, we will also be complementing Government efforts and as bus operators who transport the public, we must lead by example and we must also adhere to the Government’s call.”

Dr Mukumba said his vaccination was aimed at motivating other bus operators and showing them that there was no need to be afraid.

He said although they were presently carrying all passengers, including those that had not been vaccinated, but a time would come when those that were not vaccinated would not be allowed to board buses as this would pose a threat to others.

“We are carrying all passengers including those who have not yet been vaccinated but I would like to encourage passengers to be vaccinated because when you are travelling you do not know whether the person next to you has Covid-19 or not but when you are vaccinated, you will not fear anything because you will be safe,” Dr Mukumba said.

Government has said vaccination is the best way out of restrictions caused by the global pandemic and has urged the populace to take it up.