School bus capacity is to be slashed as part of the battle against Covid-19.

Children go back the classroom on Monday – but the transport minister warned that three clear feet between pupils on buses and minibuses was required.

A transport spokesman said: “Students that are not from the same household are not permitted to sit shoulder-to-shoulder until further notice.

“This applies to both DPT buses and minibuses and results in approximately 50% reduced capacity.

“Therefore, school buses can accommodate between 7 and 17 students, depending on the vehicle.”

He added the ministry had hired extra minibuses to help make up the shortfall, but appealed to parents to make alternative transport arrangements for their children if possible.

Pupils will also be required to sanitise their hands when they board a bus, minimise conversation while travelling and windows should remain open, dependent on the weather.

The spokesman said the rules would be reviewed as Phase 2 of the staged return to normality continued.