Metro is sanitizing trains more frequently, and continues to hold weekly meetings of a pandemic task force as part of preparations just in case the new coronavirus spreads to the D.C. area.
As 海角社区app first reported earlier this month, Metro has purchased significantly more cleaning supplies and protective masks as part of its response plan.
Metro remains in phase one of that plan, which is focused on Metro鈥檚 own preparations and coordination with health officials and other government agencies, since the risk of the new coronavirus spreading around the D.C. area remains low.
Phase two would be triggered if there is a local outbreak or an imminent threat of a local outbreak, and could include additional distribution of protective masks for workers and even more cleaning steps.
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Metro’s pandemic task force with members across at least nine departments was activated Jan. 29, said Metro Chief Safety Officer Teresa Impastato. The group meets weekly.
Impastato promised “continuous updates” for Metro workers, riders and the public.
Deeper cleanings of trains and buses have increased from weekly to about twice a week, Metro鈥檚 Dan Stessel said.
Still, just like at home, school, a store or in the office, people can take their own steps to stay healthy.
鈥淲e can disinfect surfaces in Metro, and we can step that up 10 times, and it still won鈥檛 be as effective as just good personal hygiene on the part of the million people who ride our buses and trains, because if we happen to clean that pole at 9 a.m. and, at 9:05, someone contaminates it, let鈥檚 say, and at 9:06 that鈥檚 you on the pole, then it doesn鈥檛 do any good,鈥� Stessel said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really up to each rider to ensure that they are staying home if they鈥檙e sick,鈥� Stessel added.
Washing hands, avoiding touching your face, and being sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue are among the key tips to remember, Impastato said.
Though is not an immediate threat around the region now, the hygiene steps can still protect riders from other illnesses, such as the flu.
