In the past week, Metrolinx has had three additional staff who have tested positive for the virus. None of the additional staff exposed any customers or staff as they have not been at the office or have been working from home.

The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive is now 82 out of over 4,300 employees – and remains a small percentage of the workforce.

Metrolinx has implemented over 40 permanent safety protocols (check out the ‘by the numbers’ blog) – such as mandatory masks, additional PPE for staff, employee health checks, upgraded hospital-grade ventilation and sanitization, installing shatter-proof plexiglass barriers between seats on trains and buses – have together helped limit the spread of the virus and prevented outbreaks on trains and buses.

For the past very long year of the pandemic, customers have listened to the advice of public health and stayed home whenever possible. As restrictions begin to ease, we are looking forward to welcoming customers back to GO Transit and UP Express.

There will be some pleasant surprises when transit riders return such as WIFI on trains and buses and just recently, an open payment pilot on UP.

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.