Port Authority bus operator tests positive

For the MV Independent

Port Authority of Allegheny County has confirmed its first employee has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The employee, a bus operator, is under medical supervision at a local hospital. The employee is believed to have been exposed outside of work. No other information will be provided to protect the employee’s identity.

Upon learning of the employee’s diagnosis, Port Authority followed all the protocols recommended and advised by the Centers for Disease Control and the Allegheny County Health Department, according to CEO Katharine Kelleman, including holding the employee out of work when they first reported they were self-quarantining due to potential exposure, disinfecting areas where they may have been, and closely monitoring their coworkers.

“First and foremost, we want to wish our employee a speedy recovery,” Kelleman said. “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.”

Port Authority has been actively disinfecting vehicles and common work areas daily since March 14 to protect both customers and employees. This week, Port Authority customers began boarding from the rear doors of buses as an additional layer of protection.

The 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.