CDC releases safety guidance for operators, agencies during COVID-19 pandemic

The CDC says operators and trasnit agencies should consider asking bus passengers to enter and exit the bus through rear entry doors. HART

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released guidance for bus operators, as well as transit agencies and motorcoach and bus operations, to remain safe and protect themselves from COVID-19 while interacting with customers.

For bus transit operators, potential sources of exposure include having close contact with a bus passenger with COVID-19 or by contacting surfaces touched or handled by a person with COVID-19, the CDC suggests:

• Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least six feet, when possible.

• Consider asking bus passengers to enter and exit the bus through rear entry doors.

• Request passengers avoid standing or sitting within six feet of the bus driver.

• Avoid touching surfaces often touched by bus passengers.

• Use gloves if required to touch surfaces contaminated by body fluids.

• Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, including surfaces in the driver cockpit commonly touched by the operator.

• Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

• Key times to clean hands, include before, during, and after preparing food; before eating food; after using the toilet; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Additional workplace-specific times to clean hands include before and after work shifts; before and after work breaks; and after touching frequently touched surfaces, such as fareboxes and handrails.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

For more, including what employers can do to protect employees, click here.