COVID-19 pandemic: CDC publishes guidance for transit workers

Washington — A series of new fact sheets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is intended to help employers in the transit industry protect bus, rail, maintenance and station workers from coronavirus exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older people and individuals with existing medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness, CDC states in the fact sheets – one each for employers and employees in the four transit occupation groups. Workers in each group face unique exposure risks.
Rail transit and transit maintenance workers: Close contact with passengers and co-workers, as well as contacting frequently touched surfaces or handling items.
Transit station workers: Close contact with passengers, the public, co-workers, transit operators and maintenance workers, along with handling cash or merchandise
Bus transit operators: Close contact with co-workers and passengers, along with touching frequently touched surfaces, cash or merchandise

Transit employers are encouraged to create a COVID-19 workplace health and safety plan. In addition, CDC advises using the Hierarchy of Controls to isolate workers from hazards, change the way they work or provide personal protective equipment as needed.

Workers in all settings are encouraged to follow the general COVID-19-related CDC guidelines of staying home if you have symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, etc.); maintaining 6 feet of distance from others; wearing a face covering or mask in public and when physical distancing measures are unfeasible; being aware of frequently touched surfaces; and not touching your eyes, mouth or face with unwashed hands.