COVID-19 Science Update

To help inform the COVID-19 response and help stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 research, CDC has created a series called COVID-19 Science Update.  The first of its kind for a CDC emergency response, this series provides brief summaries of new COVID-19 related studies on many topics, including epidemiology, clinical treatment and management, laboratory science, and modeling.  These summaries are released Tuesdays and Fridays and include overview of key findings, methods, and implications.  Updated January 29, 2021.  

READ THE weekly SUMMARIES

OATS TRANSIT PLACES 2ND IN NATIONAL RTAP 2021 PHOTO CONTEST

OATS TRANSIT, MACON, MISSOURI
In a world where there's a pandemic going on, let's not forget that there's a whole world out there, right outside your window.  You'd be a fool to miss it.  Sometimes, we need to stop and admire the beauty and just breathe instead of worrying about all the bad that's going on in the world.

FTA DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM MIS OVERVIEW TRAINING
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
As a reminder, the FTA Drug and Alcohol Program will host two 90-minute training sessions to provide an overview of Management Information Systems (MIS) instructions and expectations.  Each webinar will present the same content.  The training presenter will also take questions from attendees and provide a live demonstration of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System website.

FTA DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM MIS OVERVIEW TRAINING

• Register to participate on December 14, 2021, at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EST / 8:00 am - 9:30 am PST
• Register to participate on February 16, 2022, at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EST / 8:30 am - 10:00 am PST
• Register to participate on March 1, 2022, at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST / 10:00 am - 11:30 am PST

Questions?  Contact Iyon Rosario, FTA Senior Drug and Alcohol Progam Manager, Office of Transit Safety and Oversight

MPTA EDUCATION SERIES:  ADDRESSING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ON TRANSIT SYSTEMS (ZOOM)
DECEMBER 8, 2021, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM  CST
The next MPTA Education Series will look at Addressing Behavioral Health on Transit Systems with Stacy Nonn, Associate Director of Comprehensive Integration with Chestnut Health, and Emily Schwaegel, Behavioral Health Outreach Coordinator with Chestnut Health.  Stacy and Emily will talk about the work their team is doing on the MetroLink system in Illinois and protocols that could be used on any system.  Since the program launch in April 2021, Chestnut staff have provided services to more than 700 riders including shelter, food, treatment, and other needs.  Join in this conversation and see how it might be applicable to your area.
Register

MPTA EDUCATION SERIES: IN THE WEEDS:  CHALLENGES, CONDITIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICE COORDINATION (ZOOM)
JANUARY 26, 2022, 9:00 AM TO 10:00 AM CST
According to the Federal Transit Authority, Mobility Management is an innovative approach for managing and delivering coordinated transportation services to customers, including older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with lowerincomes.  Mobility management focuses on meeting individual customer needs through a broad transportation network -- public transit, private operators, cycling and walking, volunteer drivers, and others -- working together with customers, planners, and stakeholders to deliver the transportation options that best meet the community's needs.
RSVP REQUIRED - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!   

FEDERAL MASK REQUIREMENT EXTENDED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (12/03/2021
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the face mask requirement for all transportation networks, including public transportation, through March 18, 2022.  TSA's initial face mask requirement went into effect on February 1, 2021,  with an initial expiration date of May 11, 2021.  It was first extended through September 13, 2021, and then to January 18, 2022.  

While this announcement extends the date of enforcement, all other aspects of the requirement remain unchanged, including exemptions and civil penalties.

TSA also issued a statement on the face mask extension.  Learn more about FTA's guidance to the transit industry on the Federal mask requirement for public transit at the FTA Transit Mask Up webpage.  

FTA DRUG AND ALCOHOL NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2021 ISSUE 72
A new issue of the FTA Drug and Alcohol Regulation Updates Newsletter is now available.  Issue 72 includes information on Post-Accident Testing, random testing for standby and on call employees, compliant company policies, and much more.  Last updated August 16, 2021.  Newsletter-Issue-72-508.pdf