Midhurst/ November 12, 2021 – Today, the County of Simcoe was notified that a bus driver has tested positive for COVID-19. The bus driver is now self-isolating at home, and the County continues to follow necessary PPE and cleaning precautions to protect staff and riders.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, LINX Transit has prioritized the health and wellbeing of transit users and staff, and no transmission has been linked to this single positive case. These measures include:
- Mandatory vaccination policy, with operators receiving second dose by November 1, 2021
- Daily active screening of all employees for COVID-19 symptoms
- A minimum of six feet between the driver and the first seat on the bus
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices on our vehicles
- Mandatory masks or face covering requirements and hand sanitizer on our vehicles
- Protocols in place that eliminate the requirement for physical contact between drivers and riders
- Signage onboard notifying that masks should cover your nose and mouth and be worn correctly for the duration of your travels, forming a tight seal between the mask and your face
- Signage onboard notifying that passengers should not remove your mask to eat, drink or talk on your cell phone when on the bus
- Modified seating capacity to promote physical distancing
- One-way travel onboard the bus with rear-door exit only
The County encourages anyone in the community who is experiencing any COVID symptoms to get tested. For information on all the symptoms associated with COVID, and the current restrictions related to the pandemic, visit smdhu.org/. Remember to stay home when sick, wear a mask in public places, wash and sanitize your hands frequently and observe physical distancing.
As an essential service, LINX Transit operations will continue under our enhanced safety measures. A reminder that transit service during the pandemic is to transport residents for essential matters only, including travel for front-line and healthcare workers, or if you need critical supplies during the stay at home order.
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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CONTACTS
Chris Hedley
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Services Simcoe Branch
705-715-7654 (mobile)
Chris.Hedley@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Branch
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca