First Bus closes Larbert depot communal areas as 65 staff off after Covid outbreak

The firm revealed it has partially closed communal areas at its headquarters in line with NHS guidance – a move that’s helped to drive down Covid case numbers, according to First.

Multiple rounds of mass testing are being carried out on-site to get a handle on the situation.

Last week we told how the company had paid tribute to Tommy Rooney, a popular driver who died after contracting coronavirus.

David Phillips, First Midland operations director, confirmed “a number” of Larbert-based employees are self-isolating.

He said: “The safety of our staff and customers is always our number one priority.

“Since the first cases were identified on-site, we have worked closely with NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health department to take all necessary additional steps to minimise the risk of a spread of the infection alongside the existing mitigations we already have in place.

Woman screamed at ambulance staff at Falkirk KFC

“We are fully supporting our colleagues who have tested positive for this awful disease and wish them a speedy recovery. We also have a number of other teammates self-isolating due to close contact tracing procedures.

“We are also supporting people with tightened rules, more guidance and of course have made counselling available to all employees following the sad loss of our colleague Tommy Rooney.

“We continue to work with the NHS Forth Valley Public Health team to ensure that we can continue to safely provide essential journeys to support communities and key workers across the region.

“In conjunction with health professionals, we have initiated a wide range of additional measures to try and minimise the spread of this horrible disease, including even more intensive and thorough daily cleans, revised PPE requirements and the partial closure of communal areas and amenities within the depot.

“We have conducted multiple rounds of asymptomatic testing on the advice of NHS Forth Valley and we are following any and all guidance provided, particularly reminding the whole team the rules are there for their own protection and must not be broken.

“As a result, the number of cases is reducing and the additional safety measures we have implemented have been effective.

“I would like to pay tribute to the whole team, who continue to work hard, and especially our fantastic staff out there on the frontline who are providing a lifeline to allow key workers to access their jobs in the most difficult of circumstances.”

Willie Johnstone, First Midland Unite convener, said: “The company has maintained regular contact with unite both before and after the pandemic, ensuring we were aware of developments and actions being taken.

“The company have always been responsive to any feedback offered and I’m supportive of the actions taken by the company to date.

“Thankfully all the changes and reminding people of the rules is having a positive impact – the number of cases is coming down.”

An NHS spokeswoman said: “Our Test and Protect and Public Health teams are continuing to work closely with staff from the First Bus depot at Larbert to monitor the situation and carry out repeat testing, where appropriate.

“The situation is improving and all necessary measures are in place to limit the spread of infection.”

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