What RTD Is Doing To Prevent The Spread Of Coronavirus

The Regional Transportation District has issued a list of measures it's taking to make its trains and buses as clean as possible amid the spread of the new coronavirus, officials said. In a letter to passengers, RTD Interim General Manager and CEO Paul Ballard said the district is taking the COVID-19 outbreak "very seriously."

"Our dedicated Service and Cleaning team cleans bus and rail vehicles daily, including wiping down handrails and other high-touch surfaces with an industrial-strength disinfectant/ antibacterial cleaner," the letter read. "In addition, we are purchasing additional sanitation products and disinfectants, including hand sanitizer, gloves and sanitation wipes for frontline employees."

Bus and rail operators and office staff are encouraged to keep their work stations and areas clean by wiping down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant or sanitizing wipes, Ballard said.

"We continue to follow guidance from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Colorado Department of Public Health to implement our pandemic plan."

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RTD and health officials are asking passengers to do their own part in preventing the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touch at work and home.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content

Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency Tuesday and announced the state's plan for combating the virus.

Other information on COVID-19:

• Colorado's First Drive-Up Coronavirus Testing Center Opens
• Coronavirus Testing Criteria Updated, Expanded In Colorado
• Colorado Colleges Hold Classes Remotely Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• Americans Over 60 Should Hunker Down To Avoid Coronavirus: CDC
• Coronavirus And The Prospect Of Working From Home: Helpful Tips
• Coronavirus: Tips To Prepare Your Home