The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority is urging passengers and employees to take precautions to avoid the seasonal and H1N1 (swine) flu, and is taking steps to support that effort.

In March of 2009 Public Health Agencies detected a new strain of the H1N1 influenza virus, which is part of the current Swine flu outbreak. Investigations conducted by Health organizations revealed the outbreaks of influenza-like illness were detected in three areas initially in Mexico and soon after in the United States and Canada. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) raised the Pandemic alert to *Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. Our Region (V) is experiencing sporadic infections.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. This website (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/) is updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Be aware that influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What AATA is Doing

AATA is taking the necessary steps to make sure that our employees are practicing the proper precautions to limit the spread of flu and other viruses among our passengers and employees.

AATA drivers and other employees are being encouraged to use antiseptic wipes on hard surfaces where contact is made by multiple people on our buses and at each of our facilities.

All AATA buses and facilities are cleaned each night. All AATA service crew employees and custodial contractors are using proper hand protection (e.g. latex gloves) while performing their cleaning duties.