April 29, 2009

Precautions to Protect from Swine Flu

Golden Gate Transit and Golden Gate Ferry

Asks Riders to Take Actions to Stay Healthy

Effectively immediately, in response to two cases of SWINE FLU confirmed in Marin County today (April 28, 2009) by the Marin County Health and Human Services, Golden Gate Transit (GGT) and Golden Gate Ferry (GGF) want to assure their passengers that a hospital-grade disinfectant cleaner is being used to initiate the wipe down of “touch-surfaces” throughout the GGT and GGF systems to assist in keeping riders and employees from catching the flu and in particular, the SWINE FLU.

Until further notice, as advised by the Marin County Health and Human Services, the “touch-surfaces” of GGT vehicles and GGF vessels will be disinfected daily. This includes “touch-surfaces” inside vehicles include fareboxes, steering wheels, seat armrests, and overhead grab bars and handles, restrooms aboard ferry vessels, etc.

GGT and GGF are also taking the following added steps to protect its more than 30,000 daily riders and 800 employees from contracting the SWINE FLU:

Participating in Marin County Office of Health and Human Services and Marin County Office of Emergency Services daily updates for the latest information regarding the SWINE FLU.
Distributing a notice to all GGT and GGF employees reminding them how to protect themselves from contracting or spreading the SWINE FLU.

GGT and GGF riders are urged to take basic precautions to protect themselves and their fellow riders, and GGT and GGF employees:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze; alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be used.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way.
To keep their hands clean while traveling, riders should carry tissues, waterless hand-sanitizing gels or disinfecting wipes.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you or a family member is ill, stay home. Do not go to school or work.
If you have the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Contact your healthcare provider IF you have these symptoms: a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or greater AND a cough or sore throat. SWINE FLU may be considered if you have these symptoms and have traveled to Mexico or other locations where SWINE FLU has been confirmed, in the 7 days prior to symptom onset, or have been in contact with someone who is ill and traveled to these areas in the 7 days before they became ill. Not everyone needs to be tested, but IF you have the symptoms above SWINE FLU testing is FREE. Call for more information, the bilingual information hotline at 415-499-6823.

Please note that the swine flu situation is changing rapidly and we will keep you informed as information is learned. Please check www.marinflu.org and the websites listed below for updated information.

Marin County Health and Human Services:

California Department of Public Health: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/news/Pages/SwineFluLndingPg042409.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html

Contact the Marin County Health and Human Services, 899 Northgate Drive, Suite 104, San Rafael, CA, Telephone: 415-473-4163, Fax: 415-473-2326