CBS3 Gets Exclusive Look At SEPTA Ramping Up Cleaning Schedule After Coronavirus Hits Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia agencies and organizations are in overdrive trying to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This comes after health officials announced Tuesday that a woman was diagnosed with COVID-19.
From the Philadelphia Health Department, to SEPTA, to the Visitors Center, everyone is trying to stop the spread of this virus. And that includes disinfecting every surface you may touch.
"We've accelerated what we're doing to make it more effective and impactful," SEPTA's Chrystalle Cooper said.
CBS3 got an exclusive look as SEPTA ramped up its cleaning schedule as coronavirus hits Philadelphia. Cleaning crews will be disinfecting surfaces four or five times a day. They're using a powerful bleach and water mixture on buses, trains, and in stations.
"They should be very confident because what we added are increased cleaning to go up and down and sanitizing the stations," Cooper said.
"That's good that they are doing it," rider Della Sherman said.
At Fern Rock Transportation Center, Eyewitness News also got an exclusive look at the ramped-up cleaning process for cars on the Broad Street Line. What you'll see if you use a transportation hub is employees going back and forth between trains, wiping down handrails.
"Make sure you wash your hands, do not touch your face," one man said.
COVID-19 prevention is obviously on the minds of many SEPTA passengers.
"I make sure I'm cleaning my hands and if someone sneezes, I try and get away from them because you never know," rider Sidney Arnold said.
On Tuesday, Philadelphia health officials announced that a woman is being quarantined after being diagnosed with the virus. They say she contracted the virus from someone she knew.
Officials are now suggesting that no one goes to any event that has more than 5,000 attendees.
"If this gets worse, then we may be changing these recommendations and lowering the threshold. For example, the size of the events," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said.
They're warning people to not go to major sporting events and conventions.
The policy includes conventions. On the heels of the Philadelphia Flower Show that drew over 200,000 people, two conventions have canceled its events.
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau says they're monitoring the situation.
"We're giving the message that we're able to accommodate them. We're encouraging them not to cancel but we understand the pressure they're under," Kavin Schieferdecker said.
As of right now, organizers say the parade will be going on as planned. In the meantime, to get updates on the city's response, you cant text COVIDPHL to 888-777.
CBS3's Howard Monroe and Alexandria Hoff contributed to this report.
