The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) has provided its drivers with face masks and is encouraging riders to wear them too. Recently Governor Mike DeWine began urging Ohioans use face masks as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The suggestion concerning face masks is just one of the moves PARTA is endorsing.
“We are doing all that we can to keep our employees and the public safe,” said PARTA General Manager Claudia Amrhein. “In addition to encouraging the use of face masks as recommended by the CDC and Governor DeWine, we’re also asking riders to take some extra precautions.”
In a statement issued Thursday morning, PARTA requested passengers observe some added safety measures to prevent the possible spread of germs. These include turning faces away from others and limiting talking while boarding the bus and when a driver needs to secure a mobility device; sitting 2 or 3 seats away from the driver and other passengers when possible; minimize coughing and sneezing; cover all coughs and sneezes; limit travel to essential trips only; and stay home if you are sick.
“Our drivers are our frontline workers. The nature of their job requires them to interact with the public,” said Amrhein. “We’re asking the public to help keep these essential workers safe.”
Last Thursday morning PARTA began providing surgical masks to its drivers. Last week the transit organization offered N-95 masks to its employees, however, these masks are not appropriate for individuals with facial hair and may cause fogging issues for those who wear glasses. In addition, PARTA maintenance crews are installing plexiglass shields for drivers. These shields will provide another barrier to help keep drivers safe.
Meanwhile, as noted previously, PARTA is urging riders to comply with the statewide ‘Stay at Home’ order and limit trips to essential travel only. Unnecessary trips and riding the bus as a form of recreation is strongly discouraged.
