According to the Lansing State Journal, top officials with the Capital Area Transportation Authority have formed an emergency task force to respond to the coronavirus.

The risk level of transmitting the virus on public transportation is unclear at this time, but officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging people to avoid crowds amid what the World Health Organization has classified as a pandemic.

It's standard procedure for CATA officials to clean buses every night, but the transportation authority is looking to step up their disinfecting measures.

CATA plans to order disinfecting wipes and special gloves for its drivers. The agency plans to put up signs in buses and stations, advising people to take measures such as staying home when sick, washing hands and covering a cough or sneeze.

Public health officials say coronavirus spreads easily between people through droplets in the air from a cough or sneeze.

CATA is working on a contingency plan should a large proportion of employees call in sick.

A drop in ridership is another concern, assuming sick or fearful people stop riding the bus. Please click on the above link for more information.

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