Steamship Authority takes precautions after ferry worker tests positive for the coronavirus
Officials said it's unlikely the employee had any prolonged exposure with any member of the public.
A Steamship Authority employee who works at the Woods Hole terminal has tested positive for COVID-19, officials said in a statement Friday.
The employee, who was not identified, last worked on a ferry that left from Hyannis for Martha’s Vineyard at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and arrived back in Hyannis on Wednesday around 11:30 a.m.
“Due to their typical work duties, the employee was unlikely to have any prolonged exposure with any member of the public during their work hours,” officials said in their statement. “The Authority is working closely with public health officials in Barnstable County to guide its efforts to share information and public health recommendations with passengers and Steamship employees who may have come into contact with the employee.”
Officials also said they used “an electrostatic sprayer that dispenses hospital-grade disinfectants” on board the Woods Hole vessel Friday afternoon. The cleaning, according to the ferry line, was performed in addition to daily precautionary measures such as disinfecting all high-touch areas.
Aside from wearing face coverings and frequently washing their hands, employees are also required to undergo health screenings prior to each shift, according to the Authority.
“Our COVID-19 protocols were put in place to protect our employees and our customers, and I am thankful to our employees for continuing to closely adhere to them so that we can take appropriate action when necessary,” Steamship General Manager Robert Davis said in the statement. “I hope our employee experiences a full and quick recovery.”
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