The time line is significant, as statewide and local protocols have limited tests to persons displaying symptoms. Recent study data (from L.A. County/USC, LBREPORT.com coverage here) indicate roughly 40 times the number of persons who've tested positive already have antibodies to the virus although they didn't become sick with symptoms (and thus weren't tested) they were capable of infecting others. The incubation period for COVID-19 (when the person is infected but doesn't yet display symptoms) is believed to be as long as 14 days.

LBTransit's April 22 release said the agency "does not believe the employee had any close contact with the public while infected. Other LBT employees that may have come in contact with said employee have been notified. The LBT employee has not been on the job since April 11 and it is believed that they did not contract COVID-19 while performing their job duties."

The release said LB Transit continues to promote "social distancing aboard buses and washing hands frequently. All bus Operators have been given gloves and protective masks while operating agency vehicles, and customers are being asked to skip a seat or skip a row onboard buses to stop the spread of COVID-19. In accordance with City directives, customers are also supposed to wear face masks while onboard LBT buses."

[Scroll down for further.]

[LBTransit release text] Moreover, LBT implemented an enhanced cleaning process on March 5, 2020 that is ongoing. The process includes thoroughly cleaning high contact areas with disinfectants, such as Bus Operator compartments, panels, doors, handrails, interior window frames, pull cords, seats, stanchions and fare collection devices. LBT continues to work with the City of Long Beach, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other partners to minimize the spread of the coronavirus and appreciates the support and patience of all customers during this very challenging time.

On March 22, the agency also announced changes in is operations that include reducing its operating hours and eliminating roughly a third of its routes (see map and data here

Sponsor

Sponsor

LBTransit is governed by a seven member non-elected board; five of its current members were chosen by Mayor Robert Garcia, subject to City Council approval. with two members from non-elected city management: LB Transit's current Mayor-appointees are Colleen Bentley (chair), Adam Carrillo, David Sutton, Jeffrey Price, Michael Clemson (vice chair) and Sumire Gant

Sponsor

Sponsor

At an April 17 City of Long Beach media briefing, LBREPORT.com submitted an emailed question regarding LBTransit. Our question noted that San Francisco had shut down roughly 80% of its routes, and the City of Carson had shut down all of its city buses and LBTransit had shut down about 35% of its routes and implemented some operational changes...but we asked if LBTransit and L.A. Metro (on which Garcia is a governing board member) should be doing more. Mayor Garcia didn't directly answer the question on whether either agency should be doing more but did say he doesn't favor a complete shut down of either agency's operations.

To hear Mayor Garcia's full response, with on-demand AUDIO click here .

LA Metro's governing board is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. today (April 23) but its agenda only include two procurement/grant related items re COVID-19 with no other COVID-19 policy related actions.

LB Transit's governing board is scheduled to meet at noon today (April 23) by teleconference and indicates only an informational (with no currently expected action) on a monthly report by LBTransit President/CEO Kennedy McDonald on the agency's "response and actions to COVID-19."

Sponsor

Sponsor

Support really independent news in Long Beach. No one in LBREPORT.com's ownership, reporting or editorial decision-making has ties to development interests, advocacy groups or other special interests; or is seeking or receiving benefits of City development-related decisions; or holds a City Hall appointive position; or has contributed sums to political campaigns for Long Beach incumbents or challengers. LBREPORT.com isn't part of an out of town corporate cluster and no one its ownership, editorial or publishing decisionmaking has been part of the governing board of any City government body or other entity on whose policies we report. LBREPORT.com is reader and advertiser supported. You can help keep really independent news in LB similar to the way people support NPR and PBS stations. We're not non-profit so it's not tax deductible but $49.95 (less than an annual dollar a week) helps keep us online.