Public Transit and the Coronavirus
Media contact: Pat Walsh,
541-513-1236,
pat.walsh@ltd.org
Lane Transit District (LTD) encourages all passengers to take the necessary precautions to stay healthy during this cold and flu season, particularly given the recent incidents of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, reported in the Northwest.
“LTD cleans its buses nightly,” said Mark Johnson, LTD’s assistant general manager. “We are implementing our pandemic response plan as well as monitoring alerts and information provided by Lane County Health and Human Services, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. LTD will implement additional cleaning procedures as is appropriate.”
The surfaces people touch – bars or doors – should never be considered sanitized. Surfaces can only be clean until someone touches it or coughs/sneezes near it. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, we all need to work together.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people should consider the following about the coronavirus and keeping healthy in general. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.”
Source: CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
“These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses,” Johnson said. “LTD will continue to keep the public informed about transit service and practices as more is known about the coronavirus locally.”