MTA cleaning (Wikipedia MTA CC BY 2.0)
April 18, 2020 By Michael Dorgan
The MTA has launched a new campaign to remind riders that masks are required to be worn by law while using its services.
The agency started rolling out the “Keep them Covered” campaign Saturday and signage is going up at MTA stations and on trains telling straphangers to cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The move follows an order by Governor Andrew Cuomo that mandates all New Yorkers wear a mask if they are unable to keep six feet away from others in a public setting or while using public transport. The new rule went into effect on Friday, April 17, at 8:00 p.m.
The MTA said its new yellow and white-colored signage will be displayed on 7,000 digital screens across all of its stations and inside all service vehicles. Printed posters are going up inside its buses and paratransit vehicles.
Some of the signs include instructions reading, “Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or cloth when you ride” and “Wear a mask or a cloth covering to keep our drivers and customers”.
Audio announcements will also be broadcast at MTA stations and inside vehicles reminding straphangers of the importance of adhering to the new rule.
New Digital and Printed Signage that will feature in MTA vehicles and stations. (Image: MTA)
MTA Chief Safety Officer Patrick Warren said it is crucial that all riders abide by the new rules.
“Wearing the face covering is critical to protecting public health and could ultimately save lives,” Warren said in a statement Saturday.
“This executive order follows our efforts, leading the country, to keep our customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
The MTA has been advising its customers to wear a face-covering since March 2 and providing its workers with mask.
The agency has been undertaking other COVID-19 mitigation efforts by increasing and enhancing sanitation protocols, eliminating cash transactions, and reduced its service schedule.
Public transportation should only be used for essential travel only and all other New Yorkers should stay at home, the agency said.
New Digital and Printed Signage that will feature in MTA vehicles and stations. (Image: MTA)
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10 Comments
I believe the first responders should get first and only crack at the disposable masks.
They should’ve started this policy a month ago
I think some bodegas have masks. Or you can use a scarf. It’s better than nothing, I guess.
That message should be also in Chinesse (specially), Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Spanish…
Before the quarantine I used to take that train daily, i do know what I mean.
@For the people on the 7 train The message should be in Moronese so that morons like you can understand it.
Trump Derangement syndrome is driving you crazy
Open up the economy
Tell the government to stop treating people like babies
Still sounds so forced. I know he tweeted one thing once so you have to repeat it but…
Did someone mention Trump? were you trying to reply to someone? lol
Trump is encouraging millions of Americans to ignore CDC warnings, not wear a mask, and hold large public gatherings.
There’s no way the president can be wrong about that!
This whole economic shutdown is ludicrous, we need to get New Yorkers back to work NOW! And the MTA is preparing for it. Thank you. When I see Cuomo and his adult daughter or De Blasio and his family riding the train daily during rush hour then I will think about going back also.
I can not find any masks locally or online. Online there so many negative product and delivery reviews so i will hold off on purchasing them through the internet. Same goes for most household essentials being sold locally and online. The majority are cheaply made overpriced brands. The city should be helping us and giving them out for free.