The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District (District) is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, preparing for potential spread of the virus, and is taking precautionary measures to protect employees and the public.
The District, which also operates Golden Gate Transit and Golden Gate Ferry service, has been participating in COVID-19 meetings and updates with County Emergency Management and Public Health Departments on a regular basis for the past several weeks. We will continue to do so in order to get the latest information, including public health guidelines or requirements, as well as for our agencies to update one another on best practices. The District also participates in regional and national transportation COVID-19 webinars and conference calls for recommendations and best practices.
The safety and well-being of our customers and employees is our top priority. As a precautionary step, the District has taken the following actions in response to COVID-19:
Bus and Ferry Cleaning: We are wiping down interior surfaces on our buses and ferries that passengers are likely to touch with disinfectant every day. This includes disinfecting handrails, armrests, grab bars, loops and handles, and fare boxes on all buses and ferries at least once per day. We are also deep-cleaning our ferries twice per week.
Customer Communication: We are sharing information with our customers by distributing COVID-19 posters at our high traffic passenger areas, such as the San Rafael Transit Center, Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza Bus stops, Marin City, Petaluma Transit Mall, and Larkspur Ferry Terminal. The posters were developed by local public health departments and provide information in multiple languages.
Employee Communication: We have shared information and personal hygiene recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and county health departments with all employees.
The District will continue to evaluate current policies, practices, and operations related to COVID-19 and is prepared to make additional changes as the outbreak evolves.
According to the CDC, the immediate risk posed by COVID-19 to the public remains relatively low. The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene, and we encourage our customers and employees to take the following precautions:
- Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water
- Use hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, and mouth
- Cover your cough or sneeze
- Stay at home if you're feeling sick
For the latest information about COVID-19 and prevention in the areas served by the District, please the following public health agency resources:
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Media Contact:
Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz / Public Affairs Manager
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District
pcosulich@goldengate.org / 415-629-9999 (text is best)