COBB – CobbLinc announced today that the transit system is taking extra precautions and providing enhanced guidelines for bus cleaning to minimize passenger and employee exposure risk to COVID-19.

“Our operators are in contact with the public so it is important that we take steps both internally and externally to do what we can to minimize the risk for everyone,” said Andrea Foard, Transit Division Manager.

Some of the steps CobbLinc is currently taking include:

• Sharing Coronavirus prevention information with each bus operator and holding internal educational meetings
• Posting Coronavirus information flyers and fact sheets on staff bulletin boards, bus operator message boards, and common areas in the CobbLinc administration buildings
• Sharing information with county employees, contractor employees, and bus operators regarding Coronavirus awareness and prevention as provided by the FTA and Cobb Douglas Public Health Department
• Providing Lysol wipes and spray to staff to disinfect common areas and high-touch surfaces
• Providing bus operators with hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not readily available
• Establishing new cleaning protocols and additional measures to disinfect the interior of buses more frequently
• Daily cleanings of equipment, high touch areas and or high foot traffic areas using products promoted to eliminate 99.9 % of germs and daily inspections of the buses

In addition, Cobb County formed an internal task force to monitor updates that meets daily to manage issues associated with this rapidly-evolving situation. County leadership and department heads have been in constant contact with state health leaders, emergency management officials, and with federal, state, and local partners including the Federal Transit Administration, the Cobb & Douglas Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay informed on the most current and accurate information related to the Coronavirus and methods of prevention. Finally, CobbLinc is encouraging passengers to practice these prevention habits while on board:

• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol content) and use it after you leave the bus if you don't have access to water or soap right away.
• Clean your phone screen with an antibacterial wipe and wash your hands with soap and water after touching your phone.
• Don't touch your face, whether you're on or off the bus. The CDC recommends avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, specifically.
• If you're on a crowded bus and can't physically step away, turn your back towards the person coughing.
• Limit contact with high touch areas.
• If you use a napkin or tissue, discard it afterward