Positive COVID-19 Tests For 2 More Sarasota County Area Transit Bus Drivers: County

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — In less than a week, three Sarasota County Area Transit bus drivers have tested positive for COVID-19.

Two drivers tested positive Wednesday, while another received a positive result Sunday, according to Sarasota County news releases.

SCAT identified routes that were operated by infected drivers:

• Route 1, Dec. 30-31, 5:25 a.m. to noon
• Route 2, Dec. 28, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Route 6, Monday, 2 to 10 p.m., and Tuesday, 12:30 to 6:45 p.m.
• Route 99, Dec. 31, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County recommends that anyone who rode these routes on those dates should monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.

Related Story: SCAT Bus Route Impacted By COVID-19 Testing Traffic: County

Any passenger who thinks they have been exposed or experiences COVID-19 symptoms should contact their health care provider or visit one of the following free testing sites, the FDOH in Sarasota County said:

• Former Sarasota Kennel Club, 5400 Bradenton Road, Sarasota. This drive-thru site offers both PCR and rapid tests Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street, Sarasota. This drive-thru site offers PCR tests daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Robert L. Taylor Community Complex parking lot, 1845 34th Street, Sarasota. This walk-up site offers PCR and rapid tests Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave., North Port. This walk-up site offers PCR and rapid tests Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SCAT buses are sanitized nightly, the county said. Bus operators are provided with face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.

Riders are required to wear face masks when traveling with SCAT due to a federal mandate.