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Vanpool Safety Message 3.12.2020

COVID-19


Ben Franklin Transit Vanpool Safety Message Regarding

COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Dear Valued Vanpool Customers,

We wanted to reach out and let you know that Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is implementing enhanced protocols in an effort to ensure your safety during this time when the news is flooded with information about the coronavirus pandemic.

We are closely monitoring the guidance of the Benton-Franklin Health District regarding the local spread of the virus, and are ready to follow their guidance moving forward. Our focus is to ensure we meet customer needs while doing our part to keep you, our employees, and our communities safe.

Some general information about coronavirus (COVID-19):

COVID-19 is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person in China and other countries, including the United States.

Health experts are still learning the details, but it is currently thought to spread:

  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
  • It may be possible that a person can become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but this is not the main way the virus spreads.

What we are doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Each time BFT Vanpool vehicles are returned from one group, they are being sanitized with a hospital-grade disinfectant before being issued to a different group for use. Any Vanpool van that might be going out in service the next day will be sanitized. BFT is working with our contractor to ensure that each time they clean a Vanpool vehicle, the correct disinfecting product is used in the correct manner.

As a Vanpool member, it is up to you to ensure successful implementation of the appropriate safety precautions that will help keep you and your vanpool group safe.

 

 

Here is what you should be doing:

  • It is critical to follow the precautions being emphasized by health authorities. Among the most important is staying home and avoiding public places (stay off the van) if you experience symptoms. 
  • Remember to cover your mouth/nose when coughing and sneezing.
  • Wash your hands often and with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol concentration.
  • Vanpool groups may choose to place hand sanitizer and wipes for use on the van; BFT does not supply these items.

If a work from home mandate is implemented by local employers, we are aware that many Vanpool customers may be impacted. In the event of this type of mandate, we understand this would temporarily affect vanpool ridership numbers, schedules, and routes. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our helpful staff with any questions. We can be reached at 509.943.5442, or you can email us at:

Terry DeJuan: TDejuan@bft.org

Gladys Diaz GDiaz@bft.org

Vicky Pacheco: VPacheco@bft.org

 

For more information go to:

Your health and safety are our highest priorities and we truly appreciate the trust you place in our BFT Vanpool team.

Best Regards,

BFT Vanpool