Two PSTA Bus Operators Test Positive for COVID-19 (1/15)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2021
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 twenty-first and twenty-second public-facing employees testing positive for PSTA.
The first bus operator last reported to work on Thursday, January 14th, 2021. The 14 days prior to that time the operator drove the following routes:
- Route 52 – January 1st
- Suncoast Beach Trolley - January 2nd
- Route 38, 75, 79 – January 3rd
- Route 61 & 18 – January 4th, 5th, 6th
- Route 38 & 75 – January 7th
- Route 61 – January 9th
- Route 78 – January 11th, 12th, 13th & 14th
The second bus operator last reported to work on Thursday, January 14th, 2021. The 14 days prior to that time the operator only drove the following routes:
- Route 23 & 60 - January 13th
- Route 18 – January 14th
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 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 47 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.