WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – Yolobus was notified on July 13, 2020 that an employee of Transdev, the contractor that operates transit services for Yolobus, tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine. The operator has not been at work or driven for Yolobus since July 7th and has reportedly self-quarantined since July 10th. Due to confidentiality laws, as well as respect for personal privacy, Yolobus is not disclosing the identity of the operator, but wants to advise all riders of Yolobus fixed-route and paratransit services of the occurrence.

“We are sending our thoughts for a quick recovery to the operator. The health and safety of the Yolobus team, our passengers, and the community we serve remains our highest priority,” stated Terry Bassett, Executive Director of Yolobus. “Face coverings are required for both operators and passengers, limiting the possibility of exposure. All passengers are asked to wear their own face coverings, but a limited supply is also available on buses for passengers without them.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, specific cleaning and disinfection processes have been implemented at Yolobus for an additional layer of safety. Both bus operators and utility workers wipe down and sanitize touch points between bus trips and utility workers disinfect buses deployed in service at least once a day using a medical-grade backpack fine mist sprayer like those used at medical facilities. Transdev has also doubled the frequency of the misting process used to treat buses after they come back from morning peak hour service.

“We have rigorous processes and protocols in place to protect passengers and employees that not only meet, but often exceed the Center for Disease Control guidelines,” explained Bassett. “This vigilance for health safety is our top priority, since COVID-19 is still in our collective midst. In addition, all buses at Yolobus have clear plastic or plexiglass barriers installed at the operator compartment to aid with social distancing and operators have the option of wearing face shields in addition to required face coverings.”

The operator will not be eligible to return to work until medically cleared. This is the first known Yolobus case of COVID-19. Transdev has notified others who may have had prolonged contact with the operator so that they may be cognizant of developing symptoms. "If members of the public have concerns that they may have come into contact with the affected operator, we advise closely monitoring their health and following all CDC guidelines, including contacting a medical professional should they develop symptoms," added Bassett. “For everyone’s safety, passengers are required to wear a face covering in order to ride Yolobus.”