If TARC is your means of transportation you will need to have a face mask, if you don’t already. Friday, city transportation leaders said, as part of their continued effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 they will start requiring some type of face covering for passengers who ride the bus.
They’re using guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Click on CDC to see full text of guidelines.
The requirement for TARC3 passenger will take effect Wednesday, May 27.
If you don’t have a face mask, TARC3 says these are acceptable options:
- Cloth
- Bandanas
- Scarfs
Proper face covering placement: Regardless of what you use to cover your face, it should be secured over the nose and mouth, fit appropriately, and be otherwise compliant with CDC directives. Cloth or medical masks are acceptable and homemade face coverings using household items are also acceptable.
The only exceptions to the new face covering requirement are children under age 2, anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, or anyone who has trouble breathing.
“This new face covering requirement will improve the health and safety of TARC3 passengers and drivers,” said Laura Douglas, TARC Co-Executive Director. “It is important to continue supporting the best measures of prevention to help stop the spread of COVID-19 whenever and wherever possible.”
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Though the new face covering requirement may place additional burdens on TARC3 customers, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect the health of our team members and our community. While personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks, remain in short supply, it is crucial that TARC3’s workers and that those they come into contact with are protected.
Since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, all fixed-route buses, TARC3 vehicles, and TARC facilities are cleaned and sanitized frequently in accordance with CDC guidelines.
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