PORTLAND, Ore. — As an added precaution, TriMet operators will be wearing disposable face coverings to keep both riders and operators safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
This comes following a recent request for more people to wear non-medical grade masks in public spaces from the U.S. Surgeon General and the White House health advisor.
TriMet said in a release that it has been trying to purchase masks for weeks but with a worldwide shortage and all resources being sent to hospitals to help aid in the fight against COVID-19, they have seen their orders canceled or unfulfilled.
The disposable face masks were donated to TriMet and are in limited supply. However, TriMet said it has been promised washable cloth coverings from Multnomah County in the coming days.
Due to the limited number of masks, TriMet said in its release the masks will go to operators based on medical conditions, age and their level of interaction with the public. Operators on high ridership lines or lines that serve hospitals and healthcare centers will receive masks first.
TriMet said the masks do not reduce the need for social distancing between operators and the public. TriMet is still asking the public to stay home if they are sick or if the travel is not essential and to follow other standard precautions like frequent hand washing.
For updates from TriMet during the COVID-19 pandemic visit their website.