Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update #4
3/4/2020
TO: All NJ TRANSIT Employees
RE: Update – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) — NJ TRANSIT Enhances Cleaning and Other Protocols
NJ TRANSIT issued a press release yesterday with an update on the measures we are taking in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure all appropriate precautions are being implemented to protect employees and customers, and that our transit system’s facilities and vehicles remain safe to use.
NJ TRANSIT remains committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees and customers, and we continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and state and local Department of Health officials, regarding ways to avoid contracting the virus.
NJ TRANSIT Rail, Bus, Light Rail and Access Link will enhance cleaning procedures to augment our current daily practices and additional disinfection regimens. Hard surface cleaning and disinfecting typically includes handholds, arm rests, seating areas and restrooms.
NJ TRANSIT has increased the frequency of cleaning regimens for all stations using cleaning agents that are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays and liquids. Areas regularly cleaned include doors, door knobs, windows, benches, partitions, trash cans, elevators, escalators, handrails, ledges, all restrooms and floor surfaces, including all floor mats.
Enhanced cleaning protocols have also been instituted at Headquarters, the GOB and other
NJ TRANSIT offices and facilities, including a focus on cleaning “touch points,” such as railings, bathrooms, countertops, doorknobs and handles, among other areas.
There have been no confirmed cases of any individual infected with the virus in the State of New Jersey. The general public is still not considered at risk at this time. In fact, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is still considered to be very low.
Continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations as an everyday good practice:
- 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.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash right away.
- If you cannot do that, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
Additional Resources:
- NJ TRANSIT Medical Services: Medical@njtransit.com
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Coronavirus 2019 page
- World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- NJ Department of Health Communicable Disease Service
- https://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml Hotline (1-800-222-1222)
NJ TRANSIT Medical Services and the NJT COVID-19 Task Force will continue to monitor this situation. As conditions change, further information will be made available.
***Please post for the benefit of those who do not have access to email***
Laura M. Wooding, BSN, RN, COHN-S
Director, Medical Services
New Jersey Transit
180 Boyden Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Office: 973-378-6744
Mobile: 201-253-3280
E-Fax: 908-445-3392
