AC TRANSIT ACTIVATES ENHANCED PRECAUTIONS AGAINST NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

There are no confirmed transmissions of COVID-19 aboard public transit systems

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) wishes to assure its riders and employees alike, that all appropriate precautions are underway in response to inquiries about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). East Bay communities are assured that AC Transit has proactively consulted with the Alameda County Public Health Department and Contra Costa Health Services, under guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), for the past several weeks to ensure continued operations that are in the best interest of our 53 million annual riders and nearly 2300 employees.

Information about COVID-19, including confirmed cases of diagnosis, is developing by the day. As of this writing, there is one presumptive positive case of COVID-19 diagnosis from Alameda County and no confirmed cases in Contra Costa County. There is one quarantined repatriated person being monitored in a Contra Costa County hospital. AC Transit is tracking updates from both counties as transit services operate in each jurisdiction. Currently, there are no instances of transmission aboard public transit systems. Nevertheless, AC Transit has developed enhanced engineering controls intended to safeguard team member’s health as well as the well-being of our riders.

AC Transit’s engineering controls currently underway include:
• Sanitizing all coaches at the close of daily service – including driver compartments, fare boxes, Clipper card readers, handrails, stanchions, seats, and other onboard hard surfaces
• Daily sanitization of AC Transit facilities – including the downtown Oakland Customer Service Center
• Supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), for voluntary use of personnel, including gloves and masks.
• Supply hand sanitizer dispensers and individual use bottles at all AC Transit facilities
• Employee Education and Awareness outreach

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China and subsequently diagnosed in 59 other countries and territories, including the United States. As of this writing, the CDCs scientific testing and surveillance supports that the health risk of coronavirus remains low to the general public.

AC Transit will continue its reliance on our local and federal public health partners for their established histories of response to disease outbreaks and expertise with protocols for mitigating communicable disease.

AC Transit reminds riders that this is the winter season and viruses, included cold and flu can lead to respiratory infections and illness. Therefore, riders are encouraged to exercise these well-established hygiene guidelines for a healthier commute:
• Frequent hand washing, using soap, for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Covering your cough or sneeze with disposable tissue
• Stay home when feeling sick