BRAMPTON, ON (June 24, 2020) – Today, the City of Brampton was made aware that a Transit Operator from its Sandalwood Facility tested positive for COVID-19.

As soon as the City was informed, staff immediately engaged Peel Public Health.

The impacted individual worked on the 502 Züm Main route this morning and the following routes yesterday, June 23:
• Route 502 Züm Main
• Route 511 Züm Steeles
• Route 4 Chinguacousy

The operator will be in self-isolation for 14 days. At this time, the City’s 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.

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. People who develop symptoms are asked to call Public Health. If you require emergency medical assistance, please call 911.

Peel Public Health indicates that there is no additional risk on a public transit bus than there would be in the general community.

Last month, the City of Brampton asked all employees to seek COVID-19 testing by their local health unit. This request followed the Ontario Government’s decision to provide additional testing capacity and test all individuals that request it.

In the coming weeks, Brampton Transit will provide on-site testing at its facilities and will continue encouraging proactive testing for all employees.

As the City gradually reopens, it is taking every necessary step to help protect employees, customers and the community against the spread of COVID-19.

An enhanced cleaning and sanitizing schedule for Brampton Transit remains in effect. It is Brampton Transit’s goal to disinfect all hard surfaces, operator compartments and seats every 48 hours. At this time, buses are being disinfected every 24 hours. Facilities and terminal lunchrooms, tables, counters and door handles are cleaned and disinfected twice a day. 

With guidance from Peel Public Health, the City of Brampton encourages everyone to wear a non-medical mask, especially at locations where physical distancing might be challenging. Where possible, the City urges riders to maintain physical distancing measures by staying at least two metres (six feet) away from each other at terminals, and at bus stops, even while wearing a mask. Riders are reminded to carry their own personal disinfectant, such as hand sanitizer or wipes, when traveling, wash their hands often, and cough or sneeze into their elbow.
 
Starting Thursday, July 2, fare payment and front door boarding will be reinstated. Following Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario’s strong recommendation to wear masks on public transit, it will be mandatory for Brampton Transit riders and operators to wear non-medical masks on buses and at terminals effective July 2 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

While masks are mandatory, young children or those with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask will not be required to wear one.

The City of Brampton is working closely with its partners at Peel Public Health and the Brampton Emergency Management Office to continue to monitor risks. Visit www.brampton.ca/COVID19 for regular updates and visit www.bramptontransit.com or follow @bramptontransit on Twitter for service updates. Questions may be directed to Brampton Transit’s Contact Centre at 905.874.2999.

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