Winnipeg, MB – Based on information provided by Manitoba Health, including time, date and location, Winnipeg Transit has confirmed a potential exposure to COVID-19 on a bus on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.
The bus in question operated on route #16 and was in service yesterday during the morning and evening peak periods only. The potential exposure took place in the morning. The individual boarded the bus at approximately 7:51 a.m. from the Graham Avenue and Vaughn Street stop location to the Churchill High School, located at 510 Hay St. Manitoba Health has advised that because the individual who tested positive was wearing a mask, the risk of exposure is considered to be low.
Once Winnipeg Transit was made aware of the potential exposure, the bus was identified and thoroughly sanitized. All employees who have been identified as having been in contact with the bus following the potential exposure have been contacted, and appropriate follow-up measures are being taken.
Residents are reminded that if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19, they are advised to visit a testing site as soon as possible. Those who have concerns about symptoms or who are unsure whether they should be tested can call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll free at 1-888-315-9257. For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, visit: manitoba.ca/covid19.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the health, safety and comfort of our passengers, Winnipeg Transit has implemented a variety of new measures in light of COVID-19, including:
- bringing in a requirement that all people wear masks on buses;
- providing operators and inspectors with reusable masks, and distributing single use masks to passengers at Transit Customer Service Centres for a limited time to raise awareness of the requirement;
- introducing an enhanced sanitization program, demonstrated in this video, which began March 14, 2020 and now sees all buses treated with a hospital grade sanitizer at least once every 48 hours, using electrostatic sprayers aimed primarily at high-touch point areas;
- displaying digital messages on bus exteriors to reinforce the practice of social distancing and mask wearing;
- installing interior ads in our buses advising passengers of how to practice social distancing on buses; and
- continuing to share messages on social media outlining social distancing precautions to be taken by Winnipeg Transit users.