A number of drivers of Stagecoach transport group have caught coronavirus in the past few days, forcing the group to reduce bus services in Andover.

The drivers are self-isolating as per government protocols.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said he cannot give the exact number of infected staff, but confirmed added: "I understand many staff are following guidance from Public Health England and are actually self-isolating and shielding."

The company assured that the buses are subject to a deep cleaning regime, and have been throughout the pandemic.

The spokesperson said: "Due to staff following covid-19 protocol, a number of our team are self isolating, and so we are, unfortunately, having to run a reduced level of service on the Andover town bus network.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority and so we will continue to follow expert advice from Public Health England.

“The company would also reassure those who use the bus network that the buses are subject to a deep cleaning regime, and have been throughout the pandemic.”

Temporary timetable revisions are as follows:

Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th & Thursday 31st December
Reduced Saturday timetables based on timetables previous operated in April.
There will be an early finish around 8pm on Thursday 31st Dec.

Service 1: 30min frequency rather than 15min
Service 3: 60min frequency rather than 30min
Service 4: 60min frequency rather than 30min
Service 5: Normal weekday service (no service Saturday 2nd Jan)
Service 6: 60min frequency rather than 30min
Service 7: 1 trip per day from Andover rather than 4. 3 trips per day from Penwood to Newbury rather than 4.
Actv 8: Hourly service between Andover and Salisbury. Andover-Tidworth short journeys will not run.
Service 9: 4 trips per day rather than 6
Service 10: Normal service.
Service 11: Normal service.
Service 12: 4 trips per day rather than 5
Service 13: 2hourly frequency rather than hourly
Service 15: Normal service.
Service 17 : 2 trips per day.
Service 66/67: Normal service
Services C3, C4, C5, C6, C8: Normal service (Cango)
Service 76: 60min frequency Andover - Whitchurch - Basingstoke
Servce 85: Will not run.
Service 87: Normal service
Service P20: 2hourly frequency rather than hourly

Friday 1st Jan (New Year's Day)
No service.

Saturday 2nd Jan
Saturday timetables based on timetables previous operated in April.

Service 1: 30min frequency rather than 15min
Service 3: 60min frequency rather than 30min
Service 4: 60min frequency rather than 30min
Service 5: Normal weekday service (no service Saturday 2nd Jan)
Service 6: 60min frequency rather than 30min
Service 7: 1 trip per day from Andover rather than 4. 3 trips per day from Penwood to Newbury rather than 4.
Actv 8: Hourly service between Andover and Salisbury. Andover-Tidworth short journeys will not run.
Service 9: 4 trips per day rather than 6
Service 10: Normal service.
Service 11: Normal service.
Service 12: 4 trips per day rather than 5
Service 13: 2hourly frequency rather than hourly
Service 15: Normal service.
Service 17 : 2 trips per day.
Service 66/67: Normal service
Services C3, C4, C5, C6, C8: Normal service (Cango)
Service 76: 60min frequency Andover - Whitchurch - Basingstoke
Servce 85: Will not run.
Service 87: Normal service
Service P20: 2hourly frequency rather than hourly

Sunday 3rd Jan
Normal Sunday service.

Full details of the temporary timetable revisions can be found on the company website.