Cobourg Makes Changes to Conventional and WHEELS Transit During Covid-19

Pete Fisher
5 years ago
• Categories: City Hall

Public transit remains an essential service for those who require transportation

The Town of Cobourg would like to advise citizens of additional changes to Conventional and WHEELS Transit in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and further protect drivers, passengers and our community during this pandemic.

Conventional Transit — Effective immediately, the following changes will be in implemented:

· Limit of eight (8) people maximum per bus to allow for sufficient social distancing.

· Passengers must sit at least two (2) meters away from others, including the driver.

· Riders must have a destination drop-off within one (1) hour that is not the location they got on the bus.

· The windows on the bus will be kept open to promote air circulation.

 

WHEELS Transit — Effective immediately, the following changes will be in implemented:

· Limit of transporting one (1) person per trip or multiple people from same household.

· Reoccurring (prescription) bookings will temporarily be canceled.

· Bookings can only be made up to two (2) days in advance.

· Members will be asked the following pre-screening questions upon booking:
o Have you received public health or medical advice to self-monitor or self-isolate?
o Are you presenting with fever, or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing?
o Have you travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days?
o Did you have close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19?
o Did you have close contact with anyone who has travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days?

Citizens who need to book an appointment with WHEELS Transit are asked to only call during the hours of Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (905) 373-0582. Bookings for Saturday, Sunday or Monday must be made by Friday at 5 p.m. until further notice. Please avoid leaving a message as staffing may be reduced and response times delayed.

Following the recommendation of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Town is encouraging all residents to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. All citizens are being discouraged to use transit for purposes other than to travel to a medical appointment, pharmacy or grocery store.

Stay Informed The Town of Cobourg has launched a dedicated COVID-19 webpage that includes program and service updates, news issued from the municipality and risk reduction advice. Updates will be posted to www.cobourg.ca/covid19 as they come in.