How Transit Agencies Are Responding To New Coronavirus In DC, VA

WASHINGTON, DC — Amid presumptive cases of the new coronavirus in DC and Northern Virginia, public transit agencies are responding with preventative steps.

There are presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Virginia. The cases announced by the Virginia Department of Health involves an Arlington County resident, a Fairfax City resident who and a Marine assigned to Marine Corps Base Quantico. All three were exposed through international travel.

In DC, there are two positive cases of the new coronavirus. One is the rector of Christ Church Georgetown, leading DC Health to recommend a 14-day self-quarantine for anyone who visited on Feb. 24 or between Feb. 28 and March 3.

The DC government and Virginia Department of Health say the risk to the general public remains low, although individual risk is based on exposure to a sick person. The CDC says the virus is thought to spread between people within six feet of each other through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The public health response has been focused on identifying COVID-19 cases and preventing the spread of the virus.

Transit agencies serving DC and Northern Virginia are focused on mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends everyday preventative steps, including cleaning frequently touched objects, washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based sanitizer, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, staying home when sick, not touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Face masks are recommended for people showing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough and shortness of breath), but the CDC doesn't recommend face masks for healthy people to protect themselves against respiratory illnesses.

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Here's how transit agencies are doing in response to coronavirus concerns.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: According to the Washington Post, workers have been cleaning heavily-used areas and Metrobus steering wheels each day, while train cars undergo a "hospital-level disinfectant process" each week. The transit agency distributed hand sanitizer to Metrobus operator and other "front-line" workers last week.

Amtrak: There are no travel restrictions on Amtrak, but nonstop Acela service between DC and New York (Trains 2401, 2402, 2403) is suspended temporarily due to lower demand. According to the Washington Post, the nonstop service won't run until May 26, the day after Memorial Day. Amtrak is waiving change fees on existing or new reservations made before April 30.

Preventative measures taken by Amtrak include increasing cleaning frequency on trains and at stations to multiple times a day. In certain cases, cleaning will happen on an hourly basis. Amtrak is also increasing use of disinfectants on handrails, doorknobs, handles and surfaces. There is increased availability of sanitizers and disinfectant wipes for customers and employees in trains and stations. Employees and customers alike are receiving regular guidance on how to protect themselves against communicable diseases.

Virginia Railway Express: Passenger cars on the commuter trains are wiped down daily with disinfectant, especially on areas people touch like seats and handholds. Restrooms are also cleaned and disinfected.

Arlington Regional Transit: Bus operators are being educated on the virus and proper handwashing. In addition, hand sanitizers were distributed to workers and hand sanitizers were installed at facility entrances. Each night, buses are deep cleaned and sanitized, including all stanchions, hand rails, passenger seats, windows and all components in the driver’s area.

Fairfax Connector: The contractor operating the bus service has reviewed and updated cleaning protocols based on public health guidance. That includes increased cleaning cycles of vehicles with a focus on bus interiors and touchpoints like door handles, handrails and other surfaces. The contractor initiated regular communication with workers about the virus with guidance on preventing it from spreading.

DASH Bus and King Street Trolley: Alexandria's transit system is increasing facility and vehicle cleaning, emphasizing touchpoints like door handles, handrails and other surfaces. Cleanings on DASH buses and King Street Trolleys will follow disinfection procedures indicated to be effective against COVID-19.

Loudoun County Transit: Loudoun County Transit provided anti-bacterial wipes to bus drivers, who were told to wipe down the frequently touched surfaces on the bus. "This cleaning process will remain in place, enhancing the regularly scheduled twice weekly bus cleaning cycle, until further notice," the transit agency stated.

OmniRide: The Prince William County-based service's cleaning protocols include wiping down bus interiors with a focus on common areas daily. OmniRide upgraded the strength of cleaning products used, and enhanced cleaning is provided once a week on all buses. In addition, Transit Center common areas are cleaned daily, and hand sanitizer is provided in the lobby. OmniRide is updating its pandemic service plans in the event of a pandemic.

Residents can obtain accurate information about the new coronavirus from official sources like the CDC, Virginia Department of Health or their local health department.