RICHMOND, Va. -- GRTC is asking bus riders to wear a face mask or covering when riding the bus, and said that they plan to soon make masks available to passengers.
The transit company has asked that riders only use the bus for essential trips, like going to or from work or picking up food and medicine. Additionally, they are now asking riders to wear face coverings and leave empty seats in between riders.
Fare collection on the buses is suspended indefinitely, and riders are asked to exist and enter through the rear door. Riders who need operator assistance however are able to use the front door.
Additionally, “joy riding” or riding the bus for an extended period of time is prohibited and unaccompanied minors are only allowed on the bus to ride to and from work.
Anyone who is sick is asked not to ride the bus.
GRTC last week announced that they are cleaning every bus every day, which is “four times faster” than usual and due to voluntary overtime efforts of cleaning and maintenance staff.
GRTC also recently purchased two 55-gallon drums of locally-produced sanitizer from Reservoir Distillery [ridegrtc.com] in order to ensure that employees have access to hand sanitizer and can refill personal bottles.
The company has also received hundreds of mask donations enabling “any employee who wants one” to be masked.
“After supplying our team, we plan to make masks available for passengers needing to ride.”
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.