7th TTC employee tests positive for coronavirus

Another TTC employee has tested positive for COVID-19, making this the seventh case for the public transit system.

On April 5, the TTC became aware of a seventh employee who has tested positive for COVID-19 — he is streetcar operator from Roncesvalles Division who is currently self-isolating at his home.

According to the TTC, the operator last reported to work on April 1, 2020.

As with all cases so far, a joint investigation with TTC staff from the Safety and Environment Department and Toronto Public Health (TPH) has begun to assess whether there were any close contacts with the individual while contagious, and to determine self-isolation requirements.

The TTC said they are asking all employees to “please monitor for symptoms and let your manager know if you develop any symptoms, as you will need to stay home.”

The TTC employees who have tested positive so far:

• Bus mechanic at Duncan Shop
• Subway operator at Wilson
• Wheel-Trans operator
• Bus technician at the Old Davenport building
• Bus operator at Mt Dennis
• Station collector from Danforth Division
• Streetcar operator from Roncesvalles Division

“At every location, we take action to ensure enhanced cleaning measures as recommended by public health officials, such as additional surface cleaning in frequently accessed areas, are undertaken as soon as possible,” the transit system said.

• See also:
  • First two Metrolinx and two more TTC employees test positive for coronavirus
  • TTC installs barriers on buses to protect transit operators

During the course of the pandemic, the TTC has been mandating rules to ensure of physical distancing for customers and transit workers.

On Wednesday, the TTC began implementing vinyl barriers on its buses to better protect operators during the pandemic, installing and making 150 barriers a day.

On March 24, the TTC announced it was no longer accepting payment by cash, tickets, or tokens on buses and asked all customers to board and exit using the rear doors when possible to keep operators safe and ensure physical distancing.

On March 31, the transit system encouraged transit users to get on buses off peak hours and on April 1, they announced that they will be adding more buses during peak service hours.