Coronavirus: What Metra, CTA Are Doing To Prevent Spread

CHICAGO, IL — In an effort to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus, public transit agencies Metra and CTA announced Thursday necessary steps being taken to monitor the public health issue. According to a news release, Metra is cancelling all extra service planned for Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and March 15. This comes the day after City of Chicago officials and organizers announced that the South Side Irish Parade, 65th Annual Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade and annual dyeing of the Chicago River would be postponed.

In the news release, Metra stated:

"Metra's decision to cancel the extra service aligns with the guidance of public health officials to limit exposure to gatherings of large groups of people. As always, the safety of our passengers is our highest priority. We plan to operate regularly scheduled weekend service on all our lines. If the parades are rescheduled, Metra will again schedule extra service to accommodate the events."

CTA announced Thursday the steps being taken in response to the potential spread of coronavirus, stating:

"Like transit agencies across the country, the CTA is closely monitoring this public health issue. We are working closely with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Illinois Department of Public Health and monitoring information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization."

CTA added that health officials advise no operational changes or changes to protocols are necessary at this time.

Related:

• Coronavirus Fears: Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Postponed
• Coronavirus In IL: Here Are All The Cancellations, Closures
• Coronavirus In Illinois: What You Need To Know For March 12

The following are some measures being taken by CTA to address this health concern:

• Vehicle cleaning
• Daily cleaning
• Deep cleanings
• Station cleaning
• Tips for riders

In a statement, Metra said "Keeping our customers and employees safe is Metra's top priority. We are doing what we can to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)."

These measures include:

• Cleaning cars every day, concentrating on highly-touched areas such as handrails, armrests and doors, and bringing on extra crews on weekends (starting this weekend) to do additional cleaning and disinfecting of Metra cars and locomotives.
• Cleaning Metra-maintained stations multiple times a week. "We will maintain our schedule and will pay special attention to disinfecting high-touch surfaces. We are also bringing in extra crews to increase the cleaning and disinfecting of downtown stations. We have also asked the municipalities or other entities that maintain the stations in their communities to do the same," Metra said.
• Adding to their inventory of hygienic supplies including hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes and disinfectants so employees have ample amounts of these essential supplies.

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Metra also urges customers and employees to take precautions recommended by federal, state and local healthcare officials:

• 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 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or shoulder.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.

More: metrarail.com