ATU Canada, in conjunction with ATU International, release the following statement regarding COVID-19.
The ATU takes seriously all threats to our members and the riding public, and stands ready to assist in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Canadian Public Health Agency (PHA) have been responding to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and have confirmed that the virus has infected 195 people in North America and has killed twelve people in the United States.
ATU members — including bus drivers, bus aides and station agents — interact with the public on a daily basis and are at a heightened risk of contracting the coronavirus and other communicable diseases. This requires that we be vigilant, be prepared and come together; and avoid panicking and resorting to fearmongering.
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of influenza (for example, fever, cough and shortness of breath), and the current outbreak is occurring during a season when respiratory illnesses from influenza and other viruses are prevalent. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. The CDC and others report that people who are most at risk are either people over age 65 with weakened immune systems due to age, or who have underlying chronic diseases.
ATU is monitoring the coronavirus and will continue to provide updates to our members.
Here are resources that can be helpful:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2019 Novel Coronavirus Webpage
This website provides information, guidance and links to additional resources including What You Should Know, Situation Updates and other Information. This website also has the CDC response, latest news and more. The CDC will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance.
CDC Newsroom This website includes CDC announcements and events, latest news, available transcripts and audio of telebriefings, press releases and more.
U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 2019 Novel Coronavirus Webpage: This webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection with, the novel coronavirus—now officially named COVID-19
Canadian Public Health Agency Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions (FAQ), Canadian Public Health Agency.
World Health Organization - Rolling Updates on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): On this website, you can find information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first reported from Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. Please visit this page for daily updates.
