March 4, 2020
RE: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PRECAUTIONS
TO: ALL MEDIA
Although there are no reported cases of the Coronavirus in Macon-Bibb County, out of an abundance of caution, the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority (MTA) is taking the outbreak seriously and adopting a proactive approach to prevention, and to minimize the effects if the virus is reported in Macon-Bibb.
At the MTA, the safety of our riders, drivers and the public always is our priority — and with the Coronavirus outbreak, the MTA is heightening its commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment in our Transfer Station and in all of our buses. We want our riders and drivers to be safe, and to feel safe with MTA.
TRANSFER STATION
1. Beginning early this morning, the MTA’s Transfer Station was disinfected and will continue to be disinfected at approximately two-hour intervals during operating hours.
MTA BUSES
1. Each MTA bus is cleaned with high-powered, commercial disinfectant upon its return to the Transfer Station at the completion of each route.
2. Each driver disinfects his/her area on the bus at the beginning and end of each shift.
3. Drivers have surgical gloves which they use to assist passengers. Additionally, the drivers have liquid hand sanitizer and wipes for themselves and for the interior of the buses.
4. At night, after operating hours, the interior of all buses is sprayed with a high-powered disinfectant.
POSTERS ON BUSES
The MTA has affixed posters inside each bus to heighten awareness of good health practices.
1. One of the most important safety measures to stop the spread of germs is hand washing.
a. Wet your hands with clean, running water.
b. Apply soap and lather front, back and sides of hands, between fingers & under fingernails.
c. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. How long is 20 seconds? Sing Happy Birthday!
d. Rinse hands thoroughly with clean, running water.
e. Dry hands with clean towel or air dry.
2. Cover your mouth with the inside of your arm when coughing or sneezing, and then wash your hands.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, and disinfect surfaces and objects periodically.
4. Stay home if you feel sick. If you have a fever, cough and/or any respiratory discomfort, consult your primary care provider.