As new cases of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continue to emerge in the greater Seattle area, Kitsap Transit is taking steps to limit the spread of the virus through its operations.

“We’re certainly trying to stay on top of a very fluid situation,” said Sanjay Bhatt, spokesman for the agency. “On all our buses, we’re planning to distribute flyers that have information about COVID-19 and how you can protect yourself.”n

According to Kitsap Transit, buses are wiped down daily with an antiviral solution that kills coronavirus and deep cleaned at least twice a week. Fast ferries are wiped down daily at the end of each shift. Starting last week, reusable plastic fast ferry boarding passes have been replaced with single-use boarding passes.

“The majority of Kitsap Transit’s staff, including bus operators, ferry deckhands and customer service representatives, interact daily with the public,” a statement from Kitsap Transit read.

“Kitsap Transit provides its front-line staff with gloves, sanitizer wipes and other supplies to reduce their risk of infection from germs and has encouraged all employees to stay at home if they or a family member is experiencing flu-like symptoms.

“Kitsap Transit is communicating several times a week with other transit agencies in the Puget Sound region to ensure its cleaning practices are consistent and stay abreast of potential service disruptions resulting from operator absences.”