For Immediate Release
March 23, 2020
Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) announces that beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Fairfax Connector customers will be required to enter and exit the bus using the rear doors. This does not apply to customers who need to use a wheelchair ramp. Fare collection on buses will also be temporarily suspended due to the location of fareboxes and SmarTrip equipment at the front entrance of buses.
FCDOT officials stress that these changes are being made to protect to the health and safety of Fairfax Connector employees, customers and the public as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affected all aspects of travel in the National Capital Region. Fairfax Connector service continues to be available to serve Fairfax County residents who have no alternate way to travel during this emergency.
Fairfax Connector passengers are reminded that the most effective way to prevent the spread of illnesses is to follow the below recommendations from public health officials:
- If you are not feeling well or have symptoms of illness, please stay home and avoid taking public transportation. Fairfax County health officials offer steps to take at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus.
- Practice social distancing while on the bus by staying 6 feet away from others, if anyway possible.
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Currently, the Fairfax Connector operations contractor is continuing the following steps to maintain a safe and healthy environment for Fairfax Connector passengers and personnel:
- Reviewed and updated cleaning protocols, based on guidance from public health officials.
- Increased vehicle cleaning cycles with a special focus on bus interiors and critical touchpoints such as door handles, handrails and other surfaces. These cleanings will incorporate disinfection procedures indicated to be effective against COVID-19.
- Initiated regular communication with Fairfax Connector workforce to keep employees informed about the disease and guidance to prevent the spread of illness.
For More Information About Fairfax Connector
- Sign-up for email or text updates via Fairfax Alerts by selecting “Fairfax Connector Information”.
- Visit www.fairfaxconnector.com to stay informed with the latest news and information.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Contact us at Fairfaxconnector@fairfaxcounty.gov
Ways to Stay Informed About COVID-19
- Call our Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 with Coronavirus questions; open 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
- Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19.
- Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- Visit the county’s coronavirus web portal (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19) for information; it serves as a one-stop online resource for information.
- Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus) or FAQ page (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/faq).
- Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty) and Health Department Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyhealth).
- Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.
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