Community Corner
Conductor On Metra Southwest Line Tests Positive for Coronavirus
The conductor has not been at work since March 25. The Southwest Line stops at Oak Lawn, Worth, Chicago Ridge, Palos, Orland and Manhattan.
CHICAGO — A conductor assigned to the SouthWest Service Line has tested positive for the new coronavirus, Metra officials said. The employee has been home since feeling ill on March 25. Other employees who had direct contact with that conductor have been self-isolating since that date, and all cars currently in use on the line have been cleaned and disinfected.
The SouthWest Service Line originates and ends at Chicago Union Station, with stops at Wrightwood (Chicago), Ashburn (Chicago), Oak Lawn Patriot, Worth, Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Orland Park (143rd, 153rd, 179th), Laraway Road and Manhattan.
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Three Metra field employees have also tested positive for COVID-19. Employees who had direct contact with the conductor and field employees are self-isolating.
"The safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority, and we will continue to do everything we can to protect them while still maintaining service for those who need it," Metra CEO and executive director Jim Derwinski said in a news release. "Metra is following guidance from public health authorities to proactively implement measures that help protect the safety of our employees and customers."
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Metra modified its weekday schedule to reduce the community spread of coronavirus. With fewer cars in use, Metra has been doing more deep cleaning. Extra crews have been brought in to increase cleaning and disinfecting of downtown stations. Municipalities who maintain their own stations are asked to maintain the stations in their communities.
In addition, Metra staff are paying special attention to disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as doors, arm rests, head rests and seats. Customers are urged to comply with Illinois's stay-at-home mandate in effect through April 30 and to ride the train only for essential business.
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