Release Date: April 21, 2020 Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040
METRO has received confirmation a quality assurance inspector has tested positive for COVID-19. The inspector worked at one of the Authority's bus operating facilities and did not have any contact with the public. That employee's last day on the job was March 20.
This brings the total number of cases to 12 METRO employees and two contractors. METRO has a workforce of more than 4200. The agency is conducting temperature checks of all employees before they begin their workday.
METRO is working with public health officials so they can identify and notify any employees who may have been in close contact with the inspector. Those individuals should monitor themselves for possible symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as you develop any symptoms, and self-isolate to avoid possibly exposing others, including refraining from using public transportation.
We appreciate and greatly value our riders and employees. However, we are working with the community at large to “flatten the curve” of the COVID-19 virus. To prevent or minimize its transmission, METRO asks everyone to use the system only for essential trips at this time, wear a facial covering while riding the system, practice social distancing when you do ride transit (i.e., stand or sit at least 6 feet apart, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, wash your hands for 20 seconds before boarding transit and after deboarding, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and stay home if you are sick). Additionally, riders should board buses only from the back door, and stand or sit no closer than six feet behind the driver.
METRO’s number one priority is protecting the health and safety of our customers, community and employees.
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