City cautioning residents about COVID-19 exposures on three Transit routes

Two new potential COVID-19 exposures have been identified on Winnipeg busses.

The possible exposures took place Friday, Oct. 9, according to Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living.

The passenger took route 66 from Portage Avenue to St. Charles Street between approximately 6:20 a.m. and 6:47 a.m. They then rode route 78 from Cambridge St. at Mathers Ave to Waverley St. at McGillivray Boulevard between approximately 6:54 a.m. to 7 a.m.

A passenger took route 78 from Waverley St. at McGillivray Blvd to Polo Park from approximately 4:25 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. They then took route 22 from Polo Park to Portage Ave at St. Charles St. from approximately 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Winnipeg Transit says they are in the process of identifying and notifying the operators who drove these routes at the specified times. They say appropriate follow-up measures are being taken to address the possible exposures.

Residents are reminded to follow these guidelines while using Winnipeg Transit to ensure a safe ride for themselves and their fellow passengers:

• Maintain reasonable separation between yourself and others.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands before and after riding transit and refraining from touching your face.
• Wear a non-medical mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin at all times.
• Be kind to others who may not be able to wear a non-medical mask.
• Exit at the rear door if you are able in order to reduce crowding. Passengers who need to exit using the front door, such as wheelchair users, can still do so.
• Consider riding in off-peak hours if possible to help make sure there’s space for everyone who needs it.
• Don’t board buses that don’t have enough room for you to keep a distance between yourself and others.
• Our operators are covered by shields that are to remain fully deployed at all times to stop the spread of COVID-19. We ask our passengers to stay back from the shield and to move away from the operator once fare is paid.
• If you are sick, follow advice to isolate and do not take public transit.