RICHMOND, Va. – A GRTC employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the company announced Monday. GRTC officials say they were notified of the positive test over the weekend.
The patient is believed to have contracted COVID-19 from a relative.
GRTC officials say the employee has not been in GRTC facilities or vehicles since Friday, March 27 and is now recovering “well” at home on paid sick leave.
“GRTC is confident the risk of exposure to its customers and frontline staff is negligible because the case was contained early,” said a GRTC spokesperson. “GRTC facilities and vehicles are disinfected daily with many areas also cleaned regularly during and between shifts.”
GRTC Chief Executive Officer Julie Timm released a statement saying they have been working on a case-by-case basis to quarantine any staff who thought they may have been exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19.
“I am grateful our employee and their family are already well on the road to a full recovery, and we look forward to welcoming them back at work as soon as they are ready. For weeks, we have been working on a case-by-case basis to quarantine any staff who thought they may have been exposed or have symptoms that may put GRTC at risk. We believe that our active engagement on social distancing for GRTC staff continues to reduce the spread of this disease.”
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COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.