MARTA says it’s taking steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on its trains, buses and other facilities.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the transit agency said it’s making “informed decisions” based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Public Transportation Association.
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“MARTA will continue to thoroughly clean its facilities, rail stations, buses and trains, with a focus on high touch areas such as handrails, elevator buttons, escalators, and Breeze machines,” the agency said. “Antibacterial and antiviral cleaners are used in the clean-up of bodily fluids.”
MARTA said it has shared tips for preventing the spread of the coronavirus with employees and placed them at all of its facilities.
CDC recommends preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• If you are concerned you might have the coronavirus, call your healthcare provider before going to a hospital or clinic. In mild cases, your doctor might give you advice on how to treat symptoms at home without seeing you in person, which would reduce the number of people you expose. But in more severe cases an urgent care center or hospital would benefit from advance warning because they can prepare for your arrival. For example, they may want you to enter a special entrance, so you don’t expose others.
Source: CDC
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The agency also asked customers to notify a MARTA employee if they see something that needs attention on any MARTA facility. Customers can also use the agency’s “See and Say” app to report a concern to its Emergency Preparedness Unit.
“Local health authorities have emphasized that widespread transmission of the virus is not occurring, but are planning response measures for the scenario of more cases,” the agency said. “MARTA is working with health and transportation officials to plan for an increased response should one become necessary.”