PSTA Bus Operator Tests Positive for COVID-19 (12/15)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2020
PSTA Bus Operator Test Positive for COVID-19
St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) received notification from a bus operator, that the operator had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the sixteenth public-facing employee testing positive for PSTA.
The first bus operator last reported to work on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. The 14 days prior to that time the operator drove the following routes:
- Route 7 – December 7th, 8th & 9th
- CAT – November 30th, December 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th
PSTA does not believe any passengers came in contact with the driver, who remained socially distant from all passengers. However, anyone who feels like they experience symptoms should seek medical advice.
The operator is currently under treatment.
PSTA requires riders to wear protective face coverings while riding and to use transit for essential travel only. Essential travel means taking trips to work, hospitals, health care providers, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, food distribution centers, schools, to provide care for family members, and other similar destinations.
In the middle of March, PSTA announced it is enforcing rear-door boarding only, except for those with mobility devices. Rear-door boarding and temporarily going fare-free reduces crowding at the farebox and limits exposure between passengers and bus operators. In addition, bus operators have the discretion to limit the number of riders on their bus to no more than 15 people at a given time. Lastly, PSTA is supplying bus operators with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant.
In total, including non-public facing employees and service providers like Jolley Trolley and CareRide, PSTA has 41 employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Follow PSTA’s website, social media and local news outlets for additional updates.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542
E: Sweaver@psta.net
PSTA: The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is the public transit provider for Pinellas County, providing more than 12.1 million rides per year. PSTA operates 40 bus and trolley routes with a fleet of 210 vehicles.