Pay attention to new procedures when planning to ride the bus.
What you need to know before riding the bus
Mar. 22, 2021
Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth
We wanted to provide this quick, important reminder for all bus riders.
From our experiences over the past year, we know that certain practices can lower the risk of spread of COVID-19. But it takes everyone paying attention to and following these practices as a part of their kuleana, so we can all stay safe and healthy.
Watch a short video overview about some of these important guidelines and see all of the safety procedures as it relates to bus transportation below. The most important of which is, even before getting ready to ride the bus, if a student isn't feeling well for any reason, have them stay home. That's one big way we can help to keep everyone safe.
The other important step to remember is do not leave the bus stop until your keiki has been cleared to board the bus. There are two screening protocols (Temperature checks and a wellness check-in) in the procedures below that need to be followed and keiki will need to be cleared before they can board.
COVID-19 Student Transportation Procedures for Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi
SAFETY AT BUS STOPS
To reduce risks associated with COVID-19, please:
Remain in your vehicle until the bus arrives.
No eating. Many property owners (including the County of Hawaiʻi) have removed trash cans to reduce COVID risk. So avoid eating until arrival on campus, where grab-n-go breakfast will be available.
Be at the PM bus stop to reduce time students must wait to be picked up.
FACE COVERINGS
Face coverings are required at all times when in the presence of another person.
Face coverings are most important when physical distancing is difficult or in close contact for an extended period of time.
All bus occupants (students and driver) are required to wear face masks. Face shields are also provided and are allowed in lieu of a mask if a student has underlying health conditions or difficulty breathing,
Kamehameha Hawaiʻi has provided face masks to each student, though personal masks may be used if preferred (as long as dress-code compliant).
If a student forgets a face mask, a disposable face mask will be provided.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Keeping space is the next big way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please:
When facing each other, or whenever feasible, a six-foot distance should be kept between individuals.
When boarding the bus, make sure to keep that distance from the next rider.
BUS PASS
Having and using your bus pass is critical to quickly being able to see who was on a bus.
Have your bus pass on you at all times. Attach it to your backpack or student i.d. on a lanyard or clip.
Scan into and out of the bus when boarding and disembarking.
TEMPERATURE CHECKS
Students will be screened each morning to monitor for fever.
Students should approach the bus in a single file line maintaining a 6 ft distance while waiting to be scanned outside of the school bus.
Students must have their mask on and show their RFID Bus Pass to the bus driver before being scanned. Riders without a pass should go to the end of the line.
Drivers will stand outside of the bus at the door and scans the temperature:
If the student’s temp is 100.3 or lower, he/she may board the bus, scan their pass and find a seat.
If a student records a temp at or above 100.4, temp but the student feels well and doesn't look feverish, temperature can be retaken after a few minutes.
If the temperature is confirmed to be 100.4 or higher, the student will be sent home. Which is why it is important that whoever is dropping that student off WAIT AT THE BUS STOP, until they have cleared. Buses can not leave until a student with a high temperature has been picked up.
DAILY STUDENT WELLNESS CHECK-INS
Kamehameha Schools has updated it’s COVID-19 safety protocols for students who will be on-campus or participate in face-to-face onsite activities. Like our faculty and staff, students (or their parents on their behalf) should complete a daily wellness check-in prior to arrival at their bus stop, or on-campus if not catching the bus, each morning.
The check-in is a simple, web-based formthat asks you to take an additional step in making sure you are not experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms or evaluate if you have been impacted by any higher risk activities.
A clearance (green happy face) is required to come on-campus or onsite and the confirmation email will need to be shown via a device prior to boarding. See the Student Wellness Check notice for more information on this new safety protocol: Student Wellness Check-In: What You Need to Know
A paper form will be provided if a device is not available.
Some tips:
Set a reminder. Either a daily calendar reminder or alarm at a designated time each morning or a location based reminder to complete the form prior to arriving at a bus stop or on-campus.
Leave the form as an open tab on a browser. You can easily go back to that tab each morning and click submit another response.
Or create a shortcut app to the form url. Launch and complete the form each morning if using a mobile device.
If you have any questions regarding this new safety protocol, contact our COVID-19 response team at covid19help@ksbe.edu
SEATING CAPACITY
Kamehameha Hawaiʻi has adjusted seating capacity on buses, to take additional precautions, but based on the latest research and guidelines, will be able to accomodate more riders on each bus given community conditions.
80% seating capacity
Riders may be seated together, but on certain routes, there may be a gap between grade-level sections as a cohorting measure.
Where buses need to service multiple grade levels, younger grades will be seated up front (K-2, etc.)
SEAT BELTS
A required practice regardless of a pandemic.
Make sure to buckle your seatbelt and remain in your seat throughout the bus ride.
Only unbuckle your belt once the bus is stopped at the destination.
HAND SANITIZER
Good hygiene and sanitization is another big piece in the fight against COVID-19.
Kamehameha Hawaiʻi has provided Roberts Hawaiʻi with sanitizer for use on buses.
All bus occupants (students and driver) are encouraged to utilize the hand sanitizer station upon entry to the school bus and again upon exiting.
VENTILATION
Proper ventilation is an important environmental tool to fight the spread of COVID-19.
A/C may be used, however will not be set to use the recirculated air option.
Whenever possible, ensuring the circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans, or other methods.
Windows shouldn't be used if they pose a safety risk to passengers.
CLEANING PROCEDURES
Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces is another way to prevent the spread. Enhanced cleaning has been and will continue taking place.
Buses will be disinfected between routes, to include entry handrail, seats and backs, seatbelts, windows, side panels as well as the drivers compartment.
In addition, floors will be swept twice daily, after morning and afternoon service.
All of these procedures prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of everyone at our kula. We will continue to adjust and adapt as conditions change, always keeping safety first and foremost. Mahalo for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as these new procedures are put into place. Together, if we all follow these steps, we can help to control the spread of COVID-19. Visit our Transportation website for the list of schedules, and other important details, including how and who to contact and more.
Mahalo!
Arrive early to give yourself a chance to cool down. Temperatures will be checked prior to boarding.
