"As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop around the world, I know that many people feel uncertain and anxious. I want to reassure you that the wellbeing of our customers – and our whole community – is top of mind.
At this stage, no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the use of public transport. The Ministry of Health has made it clear that there are no issues with people using buses, trains and ferries.
However, we’re closely following this situation and advice from the Ministry of Health. We’ve been taking steps to ensure we’re prepared for any possible escalation of COVID-19 in Auckland.
Some of these steps include:
- Asking Aucklanders to follow the Ministry of Health’s guidelines on self-isolation.
- Giving personal hand sanitisers to our frontline staff and reminding them that washing and drying hands is still the most effective means of practising good hygiene.
- Cleaning our buses, trains, and ferries on a regular basis and stepping up the cleaning of surfaces like handrails. We have plans to carry out even more extensive cleaning of our buses, trains, ferries, and facilities if recommended by the Ministry of Health.
- All toilets across our transport network have been fitted with hand sanitiser dispensers.
- Making sure the very latest information and advice from the Ministry of Health are being supplied to our staff, operators, and contractors.
- Displaying Ministry of Health posters about COVID-19, as well as hand hygiene in our offices, buses, trains, ferries and other facilities.
- Creating a COVID-19 section on the AT website, and posting updates on Twitter.
Some tips from the Ministry of Health:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds.
- Cough or sneeze by covering your mouth and nose with tissues. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with more than 60 percent alcohol.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
- Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have been to any countries or territories of concern or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.
Finding the latest information
The best place to find the latest information about the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand is on the Ministry of Health’s website (www.health.govt.nz). For COVID-19 health advice and information, or if you think you may have COVID-19, Aucklanders can contact the Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453.
With things changing daily, it’s a good idea to plan any journeys before you travel. Remember to use or download the AT Mobile app, use our Journey Planner or visit our Service Announcements page where you’ll be kept up-to-date with the latest information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding."
By Shane Ellison, Chief Executive, Auckland Transport
