Whatcom coronavirus updates: WTA asks riders to limit bus trips, Food Bank reopens
Limit trips on bus, paratransit vans
Whatcom Transportation Authority officials are urging bus and paratransit riders to limit their use to essential trips in response to measures aimed at stopping the spread of the new coronavirus.
Bus fares are free, and riders are asked to enter and exit at the rear door unless they need to use the ramp, said WTA spokeswoman Maureen McCarthy.
That helps limit contact with the driver, McCarthy wrote in an email.
Public transportation is an essential service but riders should only use it to get to essential jobs, medical appointments, to food stores and the pharmacies, McCarthy wrote.
“Keep at least six feet from our driver and, whenever possible, from other riders,” she wrote. “Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Stay at home and do not ride the bus if experiencing symptoms of an illness.”
McCarthy said Monday’s request to limit rides and contact with drivers is the result of concerns expressed by some drivers and riders.
WTA’s paratransit vans serve older Whatcom County residents, including those who live in nursing homes.
Shuksan Healthcare had 29 residents and staff test positive for COVID-19 recently.
“We are taking all reports of sick employees seriously,” McCarthy wrote. “Anyone who is sick is required to stay home. If they have COVID-19 symptoms we’re asking them to share that with us as well. We have developed new leave procedures for those who think they may have COVID-19 or those with COVID-19 related child-care issues.”
McCarthy wrote that WTA management is working with the Amalgamated Transit Union to preserve employment status and pay if someone is sick with COVID-19, or is dealing with COVID-19-related child-care issues. — Robert Mittendorf
Food Bank locations this week
The Bellingham Food Bank has reopened with drive-up distributions of pre-packed boxes, according to its social media posts.
One visit per week is allowed, but clients can pick up boxes for two families.
Pick-up hours and locations are:
Shuksan Middle School parking lot, 2717 Alderwood Ave., 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.
Christ the King Church parking lot, 4173 Meridian St., 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.
Waypoint Park parking lot, 1100 Granary Ave., 1-4 p.m. Thursday, March 26.
Whatcom County COVID-19 information
Whatcom Unified Command, the agency formed to address local response to the new coronavirus outbreak, has established a website to provide information about the disease.
Whatcomcovid.com will have local updates and links to websites with accurate information, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health.
It’s meant to supplement Whatcom Unified Command’s page on Facebook, according to a statement posted at the city of Bellingham website.
It will also include resources about schools and child care and for businesses, restaurants and nursing homes, according to the city website. — Robert Mittendorf
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 8:21 AM.
