LANSING, Mich. – Two unrelated people who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rode CATA buses several days prior to diagnosis. One was symptomatic at the time and one was not. Passengers on the affected routes at the indicated times are advised to watch for symptoms of the respiratory disease and possibly seek testing.

Both people with COVID-19 did wear a face covering while riding the bus, which reduces the risk; however, transmission is still a possibility. People with symptoms, which may develop up to 14 days after exposure, should seek immediate testing for COVID-19 and isolate themselves while awaiting results. People without symptoms may request testing if desired. Asymptomatic infections do occur and can be contagious. Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath and fever.

“If you feel unwell please do not go out in public unless seeking medical care,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “Face coverings do dramatically reduce the risk for transmission, but they are only one prevention measure. They need to be used appropriately and in conjunction with social distancing and good hand washing.”

Buses that were used on the routes have been disinfected. As standard protocol, CATA disinfects all vehicles throughout the day and at the end of service each day.

“In addition to concern for our riders and drivers, we are concerned for the health of our riders who tested positive for COVID-19,” said CATA Chief Executive Officer Bradley T. Funkhouser. “We hope for a speedy and full recovery. This circumstance underscores the importance of public health protocol, which urges those who are ill to stay home. Since COVID-19 first presented itself in Ingham County, CATA prioritized the safety, health and well-being of its riders and employees. We took costly and painstaking measures, and implemented rules and protocols that sought to create a safe environment aboard buses and within facilities. CATA has taken every possible precaution to mitigate the spread of the virus. We are confident that the measures we implemented – with support and guidance from the Ingham County Health Department – will effectively protect those who may have been exposed to the virus, which may include up to 35 bus operators who have been or are being notified. While it is CATA’s responsibility to protect its riders and employees, it is also incumbent upon every member of the public to follow Health Department guidelines by appropriately wearing a face mask or face covering, and safely distancing themselves from others. If you are ill or have symptoms of COVID-19, please do not ride CATA; do not needlessly expose our riders and drivers to unsafe conditions, circumstances or confrontations.”

Contact tracing is ongoing. It is likely one case had an occupational exposure. The other case is linked to an outbreak in that occurred another county.

A public testing event will be held Saturday, July 11 from 12-2 p.m. at Walsh Park located at 1600 Walsh Street in Lansing. There is no cost, and no appointment is necessary. Many other options are available for coronavirus testing in the community. People can contact their primary care physician or visit a no-cost testing site: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirustest

Community exposure may have occurred on the following routes at the times indicated.

Tuesday, June 30 • Routes 3, 1 and 20 8:30–10 a.m. • Routes 3 and 1 12–1 p.m. • Routes 3, 1 and 20 3–4:30 p.m. • Routes 1 and 12 7–8 p.m.	Wednesday, July 1 • Routes 3 and 1 12–1 p.m. • Routes 1 and 12 7–8 p.m.
Thursday, July 2 • Route 14 7:15 a.m. • Routes 14 and 1 12–1 p.m.	Friday, July 3  • Routes 3 and 1 12–1 p.m.  • Routes 1 and 12 7–8 p.m.

 

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