Third Barrie Transit driver tests positive for COVID-19

(Barrie, ON) In order to be transparent to the community, the City of Barrie is sharing the following information out of an abundance of caution. The City was notified today that another Barrie Transit operator received a positive COVID-19 test result today. The bus operator is following public health directions and isolating. All buses are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after service each day and receive additional mid-day sanitization to further improve safety measures.

As the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) advises on an ongoing basis, everyone in the community should follow Health Unit guidelines, self-monitor, and get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms. The SMDHU continues to advise that they do not consider this to be a workplace outbreak at this time.

“Barrie Transit continues to do everything we can to ensure a safe environment for our riders and employees," says Brent Forsyth, Director of Transit and Parking Strategy. “We wish the affected driver well and hope they are feeling better soon."

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Barrie Transit has taken extra precautions to keep employees and riders safe and continues to follow the direction of the Health Unit. These measures include:

plexiglass shield around the driverat least six feet of space between the driver and the first seat on the busenhanced cleaning and disinfecting of vehiclesrequirement for masks in public areashand sanitizers on all vehiclescapacity limitations to support physical distancingactive screening of all employees completed on a daily basisprotocols in place that eliminates the requirement for physical contact between drivers and riders

Barrie Transit staff wear a mask or face covering when working in the public areas of the indoor public space unless the staff member is within or behind a physical barrier or is in an area of the premises that is not designated for public access. The operators (drivers) do not have to wear masks as they are separated from the public by plexiglass shields installed on buses. They do need to wear masks if they exit the driver seat/plexiglass area to secure a wheelchair/mobility device, or enter the public area of the vehicle.

We remind everyone using Barrie Transit to follow public health measures to keep everyone safe, including staying home when sick, wearing a mask in indoor public places, including on public transit, washing your hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, staying two metres apart from other riders when possible, and getting tested for COVID-19 if you have any symptoms.

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