Winnipeg, MB – In an effort to promote the health and safety of its employees, Winnipeg Transit is providing all of its operators and inspectors with reusable, washable protective masks to use while on shift.
Canadian public health officials recently began advising members of the public to wear non-medical masks as an additional measure to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, while emphasizing medical-grade masks should only be used by health care workers.
Transit operators and inspectors who work in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, will be provided masks from a Winnipeg-based apparel manufacturer for additional measure.
These masks are also being made available at cost to Winnipeg Transit Plus contractors.
Manitoba public health officials have emphasized that while non-medical masks can help keep your face covered and prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, frequent hand washing and social and physical distance are still the best preventative measures. Anyone who chooses to wear a non-medical mask must wash their hands immediately before and after putting it on and taking it off, practice good hand hygiene while it’s on, ensure the mask fits well, and refrain from sharing it.
Winnipeg Transit continues to take measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including encouraging all passengers follow social distancing measures such as maintaining two metres distance from others, only taking Transit for essential trips, riding during non-peak hours whenever possible and exiting via the rear door to prevent crowding.
More information on the City’s response to COVID-19 can be found on winnipeg.ca/COVID-19.