Port Authority bus driver tests positive for covid-19

Port Authority of Allegheny County officials said Thursday that one of their bus drivers tested positive for covid-19.

The driver is under medical supervision and was exposed to the coronavirus outside of work, according to Port Authority spokesman Adam Brandolph.

He said the authority followed all of the protocols recommended and advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Allegheny County Health Department upon learning of the employee’s diagnosis.

That includes holding the driver out of work due to potential exposure, disinfecting areas where the driver may have been, and closely monitoring coworkers.

“First and foremost, we want to wish our employee a speedy recovery,” said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman. “The health and safety of our employees is our top priority now more than ever, and while this case hits close to home, it will not deter us from continuing to provide bus, rail and ACCESS service during this difficult time. We’re in this together and we will get through it together.”

Brandolph said the authority has been disinfecting vehicles and common work areas daily since March 14 to protect both customers and employees.

Customers began boarding from the rear doors of buses as an additional layer of protection Wednesday.

Port Authority has more than 2,600 employees, including 1,300 operators and 800 mechanics.

Earlier this month, Port Authority and its unions agreed that employees held out of work for covid-19 related issues would continue to be paid with medical certification.

More than 1,600 people have been tested for coronavirus with a little more than 130 confirmed cases, according to figures released by the Allegheny County Health Department on Thursday.