GRTC reports one new virus case

GRTC announced its fifth positive COVID-19 case this week – and updated its list of confirmed cases to exclude a false positive.

GRTC continues to encourage ongoing, voluntary testing of all staff members for the virus, according to company officials. To date, more than half of all employees have been voluntarily tested with only five confirmed cases since mid-March.

The first employee confirmed to have the virus recovered last month and is back at work. The second is out on paid sick leave, while the third is still hospitalized. The fourth has been asymptomatic but is out on paid sick leave.

The newest employee diagnosed, a bus driver, had potential contact May 7 with the third employee who was diagnosed. The driver has been on paid sick leave since May 8, was confirmed positive with the virus May 13 and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to company officials.

A case reported April 29 was later determined May 6 with secondary testing to be a false-positive. The employee, a bus driver, was cleared by the Virginia Department of Health and is back at work.

“My heart continues to be with our operator who is still in the hospital, and the entire GRTC Family hopes for a complete and quick recovery,” said GRTC Chief Executive Officer Julie Timm. “I also want to thank our other employees currently on quarantine for helping us contain the potential spread of COVID-19. I am proud of GRTC’s efforts to protect each individual’s privacy according to HIPAA, and of HR to personally notify potentially affected staff.”

GRTC is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health to quarantine staff as needed to contain any possible spread of the virus and to identify proper testing frequencies for all GRTC staff moving forward.

“Our operators are frontline workers during this public health crisis,” Timm said. “Our customers should honor their dedication to providing essential mobility services for our community by following public health protocols. Wear a mask when riding GRTC. Observe social distance on-board and take advantage of extra buses in service. Use the hand sanitizer on-board. Continue to limit travel to essential trips only.”

High-touch surfaces at GRTC facilities and vehicles are disinfected daily with many areas also cleaned regularly during and between shifts. Staff members also continue to practice social distancing and follow CDC guidance to wear cloth face coverings.