Syracuse, NY – A Centro Bus Operator has recently tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is a Syracuse Bus Operator who last worked on May 4, 2020.
The Bus Operator was separated from close contact with most customers (more than 6 feet) due to Centro’s recently imposed practice of having customers board using the rear door and restricting access near the front of the bus.
Two passengers boarding using a mobility device did come in close contact with the driver during the boarding process. Each of these passengers and the Bus Operator wore face coverings at all times.
Centro is working with the Onondaga County Health Department on their investigation and, at their direction, have notified employees of this positive test. The Health Department is working to identify those individuals who may have been exposed and is contacting them to place them under quarantine.
The Bus Operator drove the following bus routes:
April 30, 2020
- Route 123 James-Syracuse-Walmart 11:40am-1:00pm (one passenger using a mobility device boarded)
- Route 226 South Ave – OCC 1:00pm-2:20pm
- Route 123 James-Syracuse-Walmart 2:20pm-3:40pm (one passenger using a mobility device boarded)
May 1, 2020
- Route 410 Nedrow 11:40am-1:00pm
- Route 116 N.Salina-7th North-Destiny USA 1:00pm-2:20pm
- Route 410 Nedrow 2:20pm-3:40pm
May 4, 2020
Bus operator did not operate a route where any passengers boarded.
Centro continues to disinfect each of its buses daily, and many of its buses more than once a day using a germicidal disinfectant. Additionally, Bus Operators have access to gloves and hand sanitizer before their shift begins.
The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) is the public transportation provider for Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties. Centro’s mission is to provide safe, convenient, reliable, and environmentally responsible services to its clients with a goal of maximizing the taxpayers’ return on investment.
Potential Exposure at Eight Local Businesses
The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed eight more locations of potential COVID-19 exposures from a shopper at each of the locations listed. Members of the public who shopped at the following stores on the days and times listed may have been exposed:
Mavis Muffler, 404 Oswego Street in Liverpool
Saturday, May 2: 11:00 to 11:30 am and 5:30 to 6:00 pm
Walmart, 6438 Basile Rowe in East Syracuse
Saturday, May 2: from 1:30 to 2:00 pm
Tractor Supply Co. Store, 6641 Manlius Center Road in East Syracuse
Saturday, May 2: 2:30pm to 3:00 pm
PetSmart, 3865 Route 31 in Liverpool
Sunday, May 3: 1:15 to 1:30 pm
Lowe’s, 3856 Route 31 in Liverpool
Sunday, May 3: 2:30 to 2:45 pm
Aldi, 3942 Route 31 in Clay
Sunday, May 3: 3:00 to 3:20 pm
Peppino’s Pizza, 1849 Grant Blvd. in Syracuse
Monday, May 4: 1:20 to 1:30 pm
Wegman’s, 4979 West Taft Road in Liverpool
Monday, May 4: 6:00 to 6:30 pm
The individual was wearing a mask while shopping at each of the locations listed. The Health Department investigates all COVID-19 cases in Onondaga County and identifies and notifies all close contacts. Anyone who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing for 14 days after their potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.
Some people who are positive for COVID-19 do not have symptoms, so it is important to stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19. IF you need essentials or use of County parks, be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times and wear a cloth face mask. Continue to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, disinfect surfaces, and stay informed.
Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.
