As the news focuses more and more on reported cases around the world and within the United States, your customers may call with questions about their trips and how safe they are continuing their plans.
You should communicate with customers that your company takes the health and safety of your passengers seriously. That you are reacting to the Coronavirus with the same precautions and policies adopted during the regular flu season, in accordance with CDC recommendations, such as cleaning and sanitizing buses regularly.
Remind passengers to avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed/un-sanitized hands, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and areas and understand the symptoms of the flu.
If anyone is experiencing any symptoms, they should not take their trip as planned, but instead seek medical attention.
Remind them that your company will continue to monitor the areas your buses visit. It is not anyone's intention to put any of our millions of passengers at risk.
A Guide For Communicating Health Travel Practices For Travelers
Travelers are encouraged to always exercise healthy travel habits when traveling. During seasons with a higher risk of illness, like U.S. flu season, travelers should adhere even more strongly to healthy travel practices.
Healthy Travel Practices
COVID-19 "Don'ts"
- Go to work or crowded areas when sick
- Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Use face masks (the CDC does not recommend face masks for general U.S. public to prevent the spread of COVID-19)
- Panic. Get the facts and follow guidance from government sources and health professionals
How To Keep Your Facilities And Buses Clean
Help protect the public health from diseases like the Coronavirus and influenza by following a few personal hygiene best practices and regularly cleaning your operating environment.
It is recommended that vehicles be cleaned and sanitized frequently during these periods of heightened transmission, especially when passengers or operators demonstrate symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Clean frequently touched objects with soap and water and/or alcohol-based cleaners.
These surfaces include:
- Handrails for entering and exiting the vehicle
- Arm Rests
- Seatbelts (if applicable)
- Driver Steering Wheel
- Dash Area
- Head Rests
- Windowsills
- Interior Luggage Racks/Hand holds
- Exterior Luggage Bay Handles
- Restroom Door Handles
- Restroom Handrails
The vehicle should be sprayed when cleaning with Lysol disinfectant spray or similar product. Have Sani-wipes available on the vehicle for operators and passenger's usage.
The CDC has said Americans should not rely on masks to prevent the contraction of the coronavirus. However, masks can be used to help prevent the spread of the disease by infected persons.
