FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Thursday, April 2, the City of Brampton was made aware that a Transit Operator from its Sandalwood facility tested positive for COVID-19. This is Brampton Transit’s second confirmed case.
At this time, the City’s top priority is providing support to this individual and their family, and continuing to help protect the health and safety of our employees, customers and community.
As soon as the City was informed, staff immediately engaged Peel Public Health to jointly investigate and determine next steps.
It has been identified that the operator worked the following routes on Saturday, March 28:
• Route 2 Main
• Route 501 Züm Queen
• Route 505 Züm Bovaird
Peel Public Health is reaching out directly to relevant people who have been in close contact with this Operator. Contacted relevant people will receive advice from Public Health on next steps, including direction to self-isolate for 14 days from their exposure and monitor for symptoms.
People who travelled on the buses in review on the above days who are feeling well, with no symptoms, should continue to go about their daily routines and not call Public Health. If you develop symptoms, please call Public Health. If you require emergency medical assistance, please call 911.
Peel Public Health also indicates that there is no additional risk on a Transit bus than there would be in the general community.
The City assures the community that it will continue to take every necessary step to help protect employees, customers and the community against the spread of COVID-19.
An enhanced cleaning and disinfecting schedule remains in effect. At this time, bus sanitizing is occurring every 24 hours. Facilities and terminal lunchrooms, tables, counters and door handles are cleaned and sanitized twice a day.
To support physical distancing for operators and passengers, the following measures are in place:
• Bus loads are limited to half seated capacity.
• Rear-door boarding and no fare payment are in effect. In addition, a plastic chain-like barrier has been installed to provide space between operators and passengers, while allowing those with mobility devices to continue to load through the front doors.
• On busier routes, articulated buses are put in place to assist with passengers’ ability to maintain physical distancing while on board.
• Seats are identified with signage and passengers are asked to not sit in these seats.
• Service on less used routes has been cancelled during rush hours and on weekends. Resources have been re-directed to the busiest routes to support physical distancing and dealing with crowds.
The City continues to work closely with Peel Public Health. As this investigation is ongoing, new information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
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