All STARS Riders Must Wear Face Coverings on Bus Effective April 23
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.
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, stated STARS Executive Director Glenn Steffens.
“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 6:55 AM to 8:55 PM. Riders can call 989-753-9526 to schedule a necessary trip.
Further information regarding STARS Covid-19 response measures can be found here.