FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2020
CAT will activate a COVID-19 monitoring program with biweekly testing
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – On Monday, July 20, 2020, Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) was informed that an employee tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with City of Charlottesville policy, the individual has been placed on administrative leave and will remain out of work for a minimum of 14 days. Additionally, CAT will activate a COVID-19 monitoring program with biweekly testing anticipated to begin on the week of July 27, 2020.
In order to alleviate concern regarding the safety and well-being of our residents and patrons, CAT is releasing this statement to inform and reassure the community that CAT is actively committed to providing clean, safe, and reliable public transportation.
Since March 12, 2020, CAT has taken steps to protect the health of our drivers, supervisors, and passengers. These steps include: issuing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all personnel and patrons, enhancing daily cleaning efforts with CDC-recommended products, encouraging social distancing, encouraging the wearing of face coverings, and modifying our service model while maintaining Lifeline service connections to the community. CAT acknowledges that public transportation is an essential function to the region and is necessary for transit-dependent individuals who need to travel during this global pandemic. CAT takes great pride in knowing that we provide a critical service that connects medical facilities, employment centers, grocery stores, and food banks. We will continue to place a priority on regular cleaning and to professionally deep clean all CAT vehicles every weekend.
In the unfortunate event that more CAT employees test positive for COVID-19, service reductions or the suspension of routes may be necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our region. CAT would like the public to know that mitigation planning is actively being developed to quickly address this potential health concern. We will remain vigilant and strive to ensure that your service goes uninterrupted.
Please assist CAT in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, wearing a protective mask when in public, practicing safe social distancing, and riding transit for essential travel only. The safety and well-being of our staff, passengers, and community is paramount. Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19.
Media Contact
Kyle Ervin
Marketing Coordinator
Charlottesville Area Transit
(434) 970-3349
ervinkl@charlottesville.org