SAGINAW, MI -- Saginaw Transit Authority and Regional Services, or STARS, is making some moves in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Effective Monday, Nov. 16, STARS is suspending city bus routes until further notice and restricting Dial-a-ride “LIFT” services for essential trips only.
Glenn Steffens, STARS Executive Director, called it “unnerving how the situation has deteriorated so fast.”
“Monday and Tuesday of this week saw about a quarter of the cases in Saginaw of the entire first six months of this pandemic,” he added. “This is a big red flag and we must respond appropriately and swiftly to save lives.”
The Saginaw County Health Department sounded alarm bells of late, referring to COVID-19 cases “exploding” in the area.
Saginaw County set a record high last week for new daily cases at 255. The most recent health department figures, as of Nov. 13, show a total of 5,651 COVID-19 cases and 170 deaths.
Related: Coronavirus case ‘explosion’ prompts Saginaw Health Department to ask for public’s help
The health department stated in a release that staff are unable to investigate all the positive cases or notify close contacts quickly due to the influx of cases. Citizens are urged to use a new online self-reporting form, which is available at ww.saginawpublichealth.org.
Essential trips are defined by STARS as rides for groceries – one trip per week per household – trips for physical and mental health needs such as appointments and to pick up prescriptions, and trips for essential jobs including hospital/medical, grocery/food service, and essential production.
Due to high demand and limited resources, the STARS LIFT services will screen trips to “limit abuse,” per a statement from STARS. Those rides are currently free of charge.
LIFT Dial-a-Ride services are available Monday through Friday from 5am until 9pm. Those seeking to schedule essential trips are asked to call 989-753-9526 Monday through Friday between 9AM and 3PM.
General riders must schedule a trip one business day in advance, silver card riders (senior citizens) can schedule up to two business days in advance, while gold card riders (disabled) may schedule up to two weeks in advance.
Continued safety efforts require all riders 3 years of age and older to wear masks at all time and use provided hand sanitizer upon entry to a bus or be refused service.
STARS is also continuing to regularly clean vehicles and other safety protocol to ensure safe travel for its riders.
The Saginaw County Health Department has issued the following guidelines and steps for residents to take if they test positive for COVID-19:
• As soon as you or a loved one tests positive, start isolation immediately for at least 10 days.
• Notify your close contacts and encourage them to start quarantine for a full 14 day and watch for symptoms.
• Go to www.saginawpublichealth.org and fill out the individual self-reporting form. This is required if you need a letter for your employer.
• Please follow all instructions to help curb the spread to others.
• If you have questions about isolation or quarantine, call the health department hotline at (989) 758-3828
Read more:
Buena Vista, Saginaw townships closing offices to the public as coronavirus cases rise
‘We have to do something now’ mid-Michigan hospital leaders tell community as coronavirus surges
Genesee County District Court suspends in-person proceedings until 2021
Ascension Genesys hospital stops elective surgeries amid COVID-19 surge
Bay County coronavirus cases rising at unprecedented rate, officials urge community action
Flint mayor shuts down City Hall as COVID-19 cases continue to surge
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November 15, 2020 at 10:44PM
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