Masks Now Required on STARS Busses
The STARS Bus System has made the following announcement:
Effective Thursday, April 23rd, STARS is requiring all riders to wear face covering on transit services until further notice. Riders are still required to use hand sanitizer on entry. Masks are provided if passengers do not have a face covering. Buses are also now equipped with barriers between drivers and passengers to further limit chances of exposure. STARS is also using disinfectant electrostatic sprayers regularly to disinfect the fleet and facility.
“It’s clear to me that masks are a big part of slowing the spread, especially if everyone is wearing one. If you have a mask or face covering, please bring it when you ride. If you don’t, we have a fresh one for you. But you must wear it if you want to ride,” said STARS Executive Director Glenn Steffens.
During the Stay-at-Home order, STARS continues to transport many residents who have severe health issues and undergo sensitive and weakening treatments like dialysis. Steffens added, “We all need to make certain that these patients are not accidentally exposed to Covid-19 from a prior passenger who didn’t show symptoms. This would be a death sentence for some, and I ask that the public riding our services carry this responsibility alongside STARS. STARS is pulling out all the stops. Help us keep those who are most vulnerable safe. Ride only when you must and be safe when you do.”
Recent information and studies suggest that Covid-19 may be present in the air for a period of time after a person coughs or sneezes and leaves a vehicle, creating chance for the next person entering to be exposed. Face coverings may lower this risk.
Bus routes remain closed, but STARS is providing essential transportation for free Monday thru Friday from 6:55AM to 8:55PM. Riders can call 989-753-9526 to schedule a necessary trip.
Further information regarding STARS Covid-19 response measures can be found at https://saginaw-stars.com/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/
