Andy Simonds, a bus driver from Newport, still gets questions about a viral image from five years ago. In the photo, he is seen with an anxious expression as he drove passengers who had just arrived from Wuhan, China, to a secure medical facility during the early days of the coronavirus outbreak. Despite the attention the image brought him, Andy remains unfazed and even recalls a call from England’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, offering advice during that challenging time.
On 29 January 2020, Andy and his colleagues at Horseman Coaches in Reading were tasked with transporting passengers from RAF Brize Norton to a quarantine facility on the Wirral. Although there were concerns about the unknown virus and the risks involved, they decided to go through with it, partly encouraged by a bonus offered for the task. As they awaited the passengers from Wuhan, the gravity of the situation became apparent as more medical staff, police, and government officials arrived.
The convoy of coaches left Brize Norton amid a media frenzy, with questions raised online about the lack of protective gear for the bus drivers. Andy explains that while he and his colleagues took precautions, the reality was safer than it seemed at the time. Despite the initial backlash, Andy never contracted Covid and believes they did what was necessary to ensure the safety of the passengers and themselves.
After the journey, the attention from the media grew, and Andy found his face splashed across news outlets. His Welsh roots shone through with a deliberately placed bucket hat in the photo, creating a lighthearted moment amid the seriousness of the situation. The aftermath of the journey brought unexpected challenges, such as being recognized at a retail store, prompting Andy and his colleagues to steer clear of confrontation and adhere to safety recommendations.
Despite the uncertainties and challenges faced during that time, Andy does not regret his role in the early days of the pandemic. He eventually left his job as a coach driver, retrained as a telecommunications engineer, and relocated to Caerleon near Newport, embracing a different lifestyle close to nature. Looking back, Andy remains proud of the part he played in repatriating passengers and ensuring their safety, emphasizing the importance of helping others in times of crisis
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