Eamonn Holmes calls for protective gear for bus drivers as he shares ‘anger’ over coronavirus deaths

Eamonn Holmes has argued that bus drivers and other essential workers should be given protective clothing to wear during the coronavirus crisis.

Fourteen people who worked for public transport in London have so far died from Covid-19, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan confirmed on Wednesday, with nine of them bus drivers.

Khan has said that the protective measures on London buses “are the most enhanced measures of any buses across the country,” with anti-viral disinfectant used to “make sure everything is clean” and a perspex barrier “between the driver and the passengers.”

Transport for London is also piloting a scheme which will see passengers use the back door to board buses.

Reflecting on the issue in a Twitter post shared on Wednesday night, This Morning star Holmes, 60, wrote: ”Been thinking about the 15 Bus Drivers who have died .... and thinking about any of you out there who have to do what you do to bring a wage home ....

“This B*****d Corona Fecker is really making me angry now ...... How dare it ruin so many lives ? How dare it !” [sic]

Responding to a follower’s post, he then wrote: “All the deaths are tragic, absolutely heartbreaking… but either protect bus drivers, posties, cabbies, shop workers, refuse collectors etc etc or don’t send them out at all.

“Trade Unions need to be heeded on this surely.”

Earlier this week Holmes, who is continuing to present This Morning with wife Ruth Langsford on Fridays, offered to listen to his social media followers’ struggles with the current crisis.

“Anybody struggling out there?” he wrote on Twitter. “Physically or mentally? Can’t get to sleep? Here for a few minutes if you want a word.”

His action was praised by fans who hailed him for offering his time to support others.