Minute's silence to be held for 20 London bus workers who have died after contracting coronavirus

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20 London bus workers have died during the pandemic
PA
Ewan Somerville17 April 2020

A minute’s silence will be held to remember the 20 London bus staff who have died after contracting coronavirus.

The mark of respect, organised by the trade union Unite, will take place at 11am today.

The union said “far too many bus workers” have died during the crisis and the “danger has still not passed”.

Pete Kavanagh, Unite regional secretary for London, said: “Unite pays tribute to those bus workers who have died during the coronavirus pandemic and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this incredibly painful time.

"Their heart-breaking sacrifice, at a time of critical need, will never be forgotten."

A total of 26 transport workers in the capital have passed away from confirmed Covid-19 during the pandemic, Transport for London said, a rise from 21 - including 15 bus staff - earlier this week.

Bus use has dropped significantly across the capital during lockdown
PA

Twenty of these were bus staff, four from Tube and TfL railways, one from head office and one from a partner service.

Bus use across the capital has plummeted in line with the rest of the country during the pandemic.

Enhanced anti-viral cleaning is in force across the network, the mayor said, and protective film has been applied on top of the screens separating bus drivers from passengers to seal off holes.

On nine routes a trial is taking place of passengers only boarding from the middle doors.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said earlier this week that he was "heartbroken" by the deaths.

“My thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones at this very difficult time," he said. "This is deeply personal - I can’t help but think that this could have been my dad or his colleagues and friends.”

Mike Brown MVO, Transport for London’s Commissioner, said he was “utterly devastated”.

“It is an absolute tragedy and I can’t imagine the pain and suffering that their families and friends are going through,” he said. “My thoughts and condolences are with them all, and we are doing everything we can to provide support."

He added: “Their safety is our absolute priority and we will continue doing all that we can to protect them and our customers.”

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