Port Authority taking steps to stay ahead of coronavirus

PITTSBURGH — With the spread of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus, continuing in the U.S. and abroad, local health officials in the Pittsburgh area said they are preparing for cases here.

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The Port Authority has said it is adding additional cleaning, which includes disinfecting “high" touch surfaces every 72 hours. The surfaces include poles, seats, fare boxes, ConectCard machines and more.

“The safety of our customers and employees is always our top priority, and we are committed to doing what we can until this situation is contained,” said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman.

The next step for the Port Authority would be to activate it’s pandemic plan, which would include nightly disinfecting of vehicles.

“Before making this decision, it was critical for us to make sure that we had the supplies and employees available to keep up,” Kelleman said. “While we’re doing our part to protect the communities we serve, riders are strongly encouraged to follow the personal hygiene tips provided by the Allegheny County Health Department and the CDC to help keep themselves and their fellow riders healthy.”

Additionally, here are tips from the Port Authority about the coronavirus:

1. Wash your hands

Port Authority officials recommend hand washing. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs, particularly after using the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, when coughing or sneezing.

Health officials have known about the family of coronaviruses for some time now. COVID-19 is a new disease and what is known about how it spreads is based on similar coronaviruses, according to the CDC. It is similar to MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

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2. Change your seat

If you notice someone who appears to be visibly sick sitting near you, move away from them if possible. Port Authority officials say if you can’t get out of the way of someone’s cough or sneeze, turn away so your face is no longer in their path.

3. Sit down

Try to avoid holding onto poles and straps as germs can survive on those surfaces. If possible, riders should try to sit and keep their hands in their pockets to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. Trains and buses are often full during peak travel hours and that is just a best case scenario according to the agency.

4. Use good judgement

If you are sick, stay home. If that’s simply not an option, do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Try to cough or sneeze into your shoulder, sleeve or elbow.

Also, it is still recommended that you get a flu shot.

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