For the second week in a row, Metrolinx has had no additional staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 to report.

The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive remains at 77 out of over 4,300 employees – less than 2 per cent of the workforce.

Since March 2020, Metrolinx has had 1,175 staff complete and 18 currently in self-isolation – a practice that has helped keep our virus numbers low. Approximately half of employees who have tested positive for COVID were working from home; 74 out of 77 staff acquired the virus from outside the workplace. Metrolinx had one staff member pass away earlier this year from complications related to the virus.

Last week, York Region Public Health reported that a customer, who travelled on a Barrie GO Train Feb. 9 and10, tested positive for a ‘variant of concern’ and recommended that anyone travelling on the particular trips should self-monitor until February 24 and get tested. No further cases have so far been identified.

Metrolinx safety protocols, such as mandatory masks, additional PPE for staff, employee health checks, upgraded ventilation and sanitization, along with barriers on trains, buses and in stations have together helped limit the spread of the virus.

Customers have also listened to the advice of public health and stayed home whenever possible. All these efforts have helped to ensure there have been no outbreaks related to trains, buses or stations.

If travelling on public transit, it is important to remain focused on the basics from public health:

• Monitor your health and stay home if ill or potentially exposed to COVID-19
• Wear a face covering and ensure both the nose and mouth is covered at all times (Check out the Metrolinx PPE dispensers and branded masks)
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer
• Download the COVID Alert App so you can alert others if you test positive.