SMART takes all threats to members and the general public and stands ready to assist those in our communities when dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Canadian Public Health Agency (PHA) have been responding to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and have confirmed that the virus has infected a growing group of people in North America.
SMART members, including those working on job sites, production shops, bus and transit operators along with those work on the freight railroads, interact with the public on a daily basis and are at a heightened risk of contracting communicable diseases.
This requires that each member be vigilant, be prepared and come together.
COVID-19 symptoms are like those of influenza (Examples include fever, cough and shortness of breath), and the current outbreak is occurring during a season when respiratory illnesses from influenza and other viruses exist. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after initial exposure. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), that people who are most at risk for hospitalization/ severe symptoms are either people over age 65 with weakened immune systems due to age, or those who have underlying chronic diseases such as COPD and hypertension.
SMART is monitoring the situation and will continue to communicate with members as developments progress.
TD members: Report COVID-19 protocols not being followed
Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson’s statement to members regarding COVID-19.