A METRO RTA bus operator has tested positive for COVID-19. The bus operator was last at work on April 22, 2020.
In the two weeks prior to testing positive, the bus operator drove the following routes during the following times, Monday through Friday (IB = inbound to the Transit Center; OB = outbound from the Transit Center):
Rt. #1: IB 10:30 a.m.; OB 1 p.m.; IB 2 p.m.; OB 4:25 p.m.; IB 5:32 p.m.
Rt. #2: OB 11:20 a.m.; IB 12:21 p.m.; OB 2:50 p.m.; IB 3:49 p.m.
Any passengers who rode the routes listed above should monitor themselves for possible symptoms, contact their doctor if any symptoms develop, and self-quarantine for two weeks to avoid possible exposure to others.
The bus operator was diagnosed on Thursday, April 23, 2020 and is currently quarantined. METRO employees have been notified and the buses driven by the individual have been thoroughly scrubbed and sanitized.
“Safety is our highest priority,” said Executive Director Dawn Distler. “We have gone to great lengths to protect our hardworking team members and the residents of Summit County as best we can. We do not know when, where, or how the bus operator contracted the virus, but we do know we will continue doing everything in our power to prevent its spread.
“Our team member is in our thoughts. We also continue to think of each and every one of our METRO family s/heroes, who continue selflessly serving the public during this unprecedented and challenging chapter in our history.”
METRO is working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers and team members in light of COVID-19. METRO has switched to stronger cleaning solvents; has team members visiting the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center throughout the day to clean and disinfect bus interiors; performed extra scrubs on buses; encouraged the public to follow CDC guidelines for illness prevention, including washing hands often and wearing face coverings; provided PPE for its employees such as face masks, gloves, and face shields; offer employee temperature checks at its Kenmore Blvd. offices; closed its Transit Center; halt collection of fares; and increased frequency of cleaning at its facilities.