GRTC: Only 1 employee has tested positive for virus and shown symptoms
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More than half of the GRTC workforce was voluntarily tested for COVID-19 this past week, with mostly encouraging results: there have been only four confirmed cases of the virus among the 273 employees tested since mid-March.
Three of those four employees have been asymptomatic and are at home on sick leave.
The other, who is showing symptoms, is being treated at a local hospital because of complications from underlying health conditions.
“My heart is very much with our operator who is currently in the hospital and our other GRTC Family members impacted by COVID-19. All of GRTC is hoping for their full and quick recovery,” said Julie Timm, GRTC’s CEO.
GRTC officials are working closely with the Virginia Department of Health to quarantine staff as needed to contain any possible spread of the virus, they said in a statement.
Employees continue to practice social distancing and follow CDC guidance to wear cloth face coverings. High-touch surfaces at GRTC facilities and vehicles are disinfected daily with many areas also cleaned regularly during and between shifts.
“Now that businesses are reopening, many more people need our services to get to work and there is no ability to social distance on a packed bus. It’s simple. Wear a mask.” Timm said.
Passengers are urged to wear face coverings when riding, space out on-board when possible, and use on-board hand sanitizer stations currently being installed on the fleet.
