In response to a public health programme to manage the spread of the Pandemic, the Harris Group’s Bus & Coach division has developed a fully kitted out COVID-19 Mobile Testing & Vaccination Bus concept unit, built on the award-winning Isuzu AOS Visigo midi-coach.
The COVID-19 Mobile Testing Bus is the latest in a series of concept bus projects undertaken as part of the Harris Group’s commitment to new thinking and innovation.
The design concept showcases how a passenger bus can be re-envisioned as an adaptable resource to fit current needs – in this case increasing COVID-19 testing and vaccination capacity on a mobile basis.
This fully functioning vehicle is a flexible and cost-effective answer to the unique needs brought on by the pandemic. With the ability to carry a trained response crew and necessary/associated lab equipment in one vehicle, the vehicle would extend care outreach to rural communities, schools, and existing healthcare facilities bringing vital equipment to be used on demand.
“We are all aware of the importance of mass COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for our economic and public health. However, there is not enough happening to help the hard-pressed agencies operating at the frontline to bring these solutions to every far-reaching corner of Ireland,” said Chris Haughton, General Manager of the Harris Group Bus & Coach division.
The conversion would take the Isuzu AOS Visigo and kit it out with specs such as side awnings, eight removable seats for the crew, W.C, wet area, water boiler, kitchen, four pop-up tents stored underfloor, external lights, and a portable generator. Lab equipment and other specs may be customised depending on the customer requirements.
“These buses are adapted from a tried and tested model already on the road and will offer the necessary technology, flexibility, efficiency, and mobility needed to adapt to anyone’s use case.”
Praised for its design by a Design Platinum Award in 2018, the Isuzu AOS Visigo won the Irish Midi-Coach of the Year at the Fleet Transport Bus & Coach Awards 2020.
