A scheme supported by Oxford Bus Company called Project MOVE is helping to test Norfolk residents for Covid-19
Oxford Bus Company is helping other areas tackle the Covid-19 pandemic via specially converted buses. Four of the firm’s converted buses have been deployed to support communities in Norfolk as part of Project MOVE, a scheme created to support the NHS and local authorities by giving vaccines and tests using converted buses. The assistance was made possible through a partnership between design company 40two and Oxford Bus Company.
The buses have been made available to local authorities across the UK. Norfolk County Council commissioned four, which have gone into operation after a successful trial of a demonstration vehicle and are being used to provide observed lateral flow device tests for asymptomatic people.
The aim is to help identify the one in three people who may have the virus without any symptoms, so they can avoid passing Covid-19 to family, friends and colleagues. Each bus has the capacity to undertake up to 100 observed rapid tests a day, whereby people swab themselves under the guidance of a trained operator who then processes the test, reads the result and records it.
Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director said: “We are proud to be using Oxford buses to help communities receive the support they need.
“Norfolk County Council is the first local authority to commission the vehicles. We have five more buses available and hope others follow Norfolk’s lead and partner with Project MOVE. Norfolk County Council is using the vehicles for observed lateral flow device testing. However, our buses can also be used for other purposes if required including administering vaccines.”
The converted Mercedes Citaro vehicles are being operated in Norfolk by sister Go-Ahead Group company Konectbus, and are expected to stay for at least six months.
