Since the provincial state of emergency started in March, Metrolinx has been there for those who have needed to travel on GO Transit and UP Express.

With the announcement of a 28-day province-wide shutdown starting on Boxing Day, be assured GO and UP will still be there for you, as public transit is an essential service, and public health has recommended travel be limited to essential trips only.

GO Transit and UP Express have been lifeline services for frontline workers – the doctors, nurses, administrative teams and cleaners, who are doing the lifesaving work in hospitals – as well as those who are keeping food distribution moving and are keeping the region safe.

GO and UP services are there for those who need to get to medical appointments, or to get food and prescriptions.

For those who must travel, please remember to wear a mask or face-covering that covers both the nose, mouth and chin while riding on public transit as it is essential to protecting your health as well as the health of others.

Public health officials have also made it clear scarves and bandanas are not acceptable as a face-covering as they do not provide adequate protection.

A vaccine is now a reality giving hope of returning to normal, but we are not there quite yet. To help us get there, over the holidays and into a new shutdown, it is critically important to not let down the guard, and recommit to the basics from public health:

• 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.
• Make a plan to celebrate the holiday season safely.