**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Halifax Transit Update
The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19.
Halifax Transit was advised that a bus operator has tested positive for COVID-19.
Halifax Transit is working with Public Health to investigate the situation.
The individual who tested positive has not been in the workspace since April 4. Since that time, all workspaces and vehicles, with which the individual was in contact, have already undergone cleanings as part of Halifax Transit’s enhanced protocol.
Halifax Transit continues to engage with Public Health regularly to take direction regarding all the necessary steps required to safeguard the health of employees and residents.
Public Health has been in contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19, and will complete contact tracing to identify all those who have been in close contact with the individual. Public Health will contact those who must self-isolate and will test anyone who they deem to require testing.
Halifax Transit has been designated by the Province of Nova Scotia an essential service under the current provincial state of emergency. In light of this direction by the province, the municipality will continue delivering the highest level of service that can be reasonably provided – while also continuing to take steps that help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and make buses as safe an environment as possible in the circumstances. Residents are reminded that the level of transit service provided will continue to be adjusted as necessary, based on available operational resources.
Over the past several weeks, many measures have been taken by Halifax Transit to help reduce the spread of disease, including:
- fare collection is suspended on bus and ferry services to support the municipality’s commitment to safe social distancing
- increased frequency in wipe-downs of high-touch surfaces
- making the first 7-10 seats immediately behind the operator unavailable to riders on buses (this does not impact accessible seating)
- limiting passengers on buses to seated passengers only
- limiting the number of ferry passengers to 50 per trip
Buses and ferries continue to operate on a reduced schedule.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit halifax.ca/coronavirus.
