GRTC reports 2 new COVID-19 cases; operating on reduced schedule Tuesday

GRTC officials have announced the eighth and ninth confirmed cases of COVID-19 among its workforce and announced reduced hours for Tuesday and possibly other days this week, as well.

The newest employee diagnosed with the virus, a bus operator, was traced by the Virginia Department of Health as a likely connection to the sixth case reported by the company. The eighth employee diagnosed, also a bus driver, likely was connected with the seventh to test positive, company officials said.

Both drivers last worked May 27. All identified likely contacts with both employees are being contacted, quarantined and tested in accordance with guidance from VDH.

“My heart continues to be with our employees currently recovering from COVID-19,” said GRTC Chief Executive Officer Julie Timm. “I am encouraged that our most recent cases were quickly isolated and wish our affected GRTC family members a swift and complete recovery. Our quarantine and testing measures to date have successfully limited staff exposure and blocked any outbreaks at GRTC. We are scheduling on-site testing events for staff, which will help us continue to proactively identify and quarantine positive-tested staff members early.”

After suspending service Saturday at 8 p.m. because of protests and riots in Richmond – during which a GRTC Pulse bus was burned – GRTC resumed all regular service, including CARE, at 8 a.m. Monday and operated until 6 p.m. The company had a delayed opening at 8 a.m. Tuesday but will resume evening service until 2 a.m. Wednesday.

The same limited schedule may continue into the week, and service delays or other changes also may be implemented as conditions warrant, officials said.

The GRTC Customer Service Call Center will operate normally from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (804) 358-4782. The CARE Customer Service Call Center will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (804) 782-2273.

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