From SouthOrange.org, March 3, 2020:
NJ TRANSIT today issued an update on the precautionary measures taken by the agency in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), ensuring the agency is taking all appropriate precautions to protect employees and customers and that the system of Rail, Bus, Light Rail and Access Link vehicles remain safe to use.
In accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 102 creating the Coronavirus Task Force, NJ TRANSIT has been working with administration officials, state agencies and departments in a coordinated manner to ensure the health and safety of our customers, employees and that the state’s residents are protected.
While there are still no confirmed cases of any individual infected with the virus in the State of New Jersey, NJ TRANSIT formed an internal task force that includes highly-trained and experienced staff from its Medical, Office of Emergency Management, Environmental, Safety, Communications departments and all operating lines, and is closely monitoring news about COVID-19.
The general public is not considered at risk at this time as the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered to be very low.
“NJ TRANSIT’s internal task force is meeting regularly, sharing of the most up-to-date information obtained from state and federal health officials,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “We will continue to coordinate with the state’s coronavirus task force and are prepared to take any and all steps necessary to protect the health and safety of our customers and employees.”
NJ TRANSIT’s operating units have in place clear protocols and procedures for the cleaning and disinfection of rolling stock, vehicles and public facilities identified.
NJ TRANSIT Rail, Bus, Light Rail and Access Link will enhance current cleaning procedures to augment our daily current practices and additional disinfection regimens. Hard surface cleaning and disinfecting typically includes handholds, arm rests, seating areas and restrooms.
NJ TRANSIT has increased the frequency of cleaning regimens for all stations using cleaning agents that are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays and liquids. Areas regularly cleaned include are doors, door knobs, windows, benches, partitions, trash cans, elevators, escalators, handrails, ledges, all restrooms and floor surfaces and all floor mats.
NJ TRANSIT is closely engaged with the New Jersey Department of Health and other state and federal resources to carefully monitor, and if need be, respond to emergent health concerns that have the ability to impact customers and employees.
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) offer the following preventative steps for the coronavirus:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, then wash hands
For more information, please visit the following websites:
South Orange Department of Health: https://www.southorange.org/167/Department-of-Health-and-Animal-Control
New Jersey Department of Health: https://www.nj.gov/health/
