PSTA Bus Operator Tests Positive for COVID-19 (1/14)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2021
PSTA Bus Operator Tests 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 twentieth public-facing employees testing positive for PSTA.
The bus operator last reported to work on Monday, January 11th, 2021. The 14 days prior to that time the operator drove the following routes:
- Suncoast Beach Trolley – December 29th through January 1st & January 10th
- Route 14 – January 4th through 8th
- Route 18 – January 9th
- Connector – January 11th
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 2020, 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 45 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.