In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, Durango Transit will require all passengers to wear a face covering starting Friday.

The “No Mask, No Ride” policy follows guidance from San Juan Basin Public Health, which issued a Face Covering Advisory on April 9, urging community members to wear face coverings while in public places.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. The recommended face coverings are not surgical or N95 respirator masks, which should be reserved for health care workers and other medical first responders.

Durango Transit will have a limited supply of masks available for passengers who are not in compliance with the “No Mask, No Ride” policy. If no masks are available, passengers without face coverings will be denied service.

Residents are reminded to limit bus rides to only necessary travel. This includes travel to access medical needs, groceries or employment. Passengers who must travel out of necessity are encouraged, whenever possible, to leave extra space between themselves and others. Social distancing helps protect people from COVID-19. Durango Transit continues to enforce reduced capacity on its vehicles to comply with social -distancing guidelines.

The CDC advises anyone with fever, cough or shortness of breath to not go out in public. Passengers should not ride the bus if they are experiencing those symptoms or think they might be sick. Passengers who display such symptoms or do not adhere to social-distance guidelines may be asked to get off the bus.

Durango Transit continues to take additional measures to keep vehicles clean and passengers healthy. All buses are cleaned daily with disinfectant. Staff members are wiping down seats, steering wheels, handles, buckles, stop request pull cords and other high-touch surfaces.

For more information, call 259-5438.