*Updated on March 3, 2020

VTA continues to closely monitor the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (also known as COVID-19), staying in contact with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. While the global news of the virus can cause stress and anxiety, according to the Public Health Department, the immediate risk to the public remains low.

VTA is in regular contact with the regional Operations Area of the state’s Office of Emergency Services and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and any potential response would be made in coordination with those organizations. VTA employees are receiving ongoing updates and additional hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed at all work divisions.

Any public space creates an opportunity for exposure to respiratory viruses, which is why it’s important to review the best way to prevent infection of all flu viruses for our riding public. Of course, avoiding exposure is the primary way. In addition, here are some other precautions from the federal Centers for Disease Control:

• Use proper hand hygiene including washing hands with soap or using hand sanitizers.
• Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or arm. Do not use your hands.
• If you are sick, PLEASE stay home.

*Per the CDC, surface transmission is not a significant focus at this time; however they have recommended frequent, routine cleaning of surfaces which aligns with our protocols. Each day, VTA buses and light rail vehicles are cleaned during daily servicing, removing routine dirt and debris. In addition, Service Workers wipe down the interior and frequently touched surfaces are decontaminated using a disinfectant. Clorox wipes are also available to Operators to do routine surface cleaning throughout the day. 

People who think they may have been exposed to Coronavirus should contact their healthcare provider immediately. For the latest health information regarding Coronavirus, visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website at www.sccphd.org/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov.

Should anything become more specific as it relates to VTA’s transit system and our traveling public, we will provide that information as soon as it becomes available.