Two PSTA Bus Operators Test Positive for COVID-19 (11/17)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2020
Two PSTA Bus Operators Test Positive for COVID-19
St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) received notification from two bus operators, that they had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the fourteenth and fifteenth public-facing employee testing positive for PSTA.
The first bus operator last reported to work on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020. The 14 days prior to that time the operator only drove the following routes:
- Route 23
The second bus operator last reported to work on Monday, November 16th, 2020. The 14 days prior to that time the operator drove the following routes:
- Route 66 & 19 – November 6th
- Route 58 – November 11th
- Route 52 – November 15th
- Route 4 – November 16th
PSTA does not believe any passengers came in contact with the drivers, who remained socially distant from all passengers. However, anyone who feels like they experience symptoms should seek medical advice.
The operators are 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 40 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.