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.                                                 

READ THE MONTHLY SUMMARIES

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS AND TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT
YOURSELF FROM GETTING OR SPREADING COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people.  Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends.  This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep friends, families, and communities healthy and safe.  CDC offers the following consideration to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings.  These considerations are meant to supplement - NOT REPLACE - any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which all gatherings must comply.    

LEARN MORE HERE

HOW TO SELECT, WEAR AND CLEAN YOUR MASK
Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others.  Visit the CDC's new web page to learn How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask.  Wear masks in public settings around people who don't live in your household and when you can't stay 6-feet away from others.  Making a decision about selecting a mask can be confusing.  This new web site provides tips on how to choose your masks.  Updated December 21, 2020.

DECEMBER 2020 FTA DRUG AND ALCOHOL NEWSLETTER
A new issue of the FTA Drug and Alcohol Regulation Updates Newsletter is now available.  Issue 70 includes information on the Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference to be held in 2021, MIS Reporting and Frequently Asked Questions, who should be tested after an accident, and more. 

NEW NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL COURSE IN FIRST AID TRAINING
First aid responders and members of your safety team need to take this Airborne Pathogens:  Understanding and Preventing Disease Transmission online training.  This 30-minute training is inexpensive and worth every penny to help keep your workplace safe.  (Non-Member cost $19.95)  They will learn about:
     ∗  Method of infection, symptoms and special considerations for tuberculosis, flu and COVID-19 infections
     ∗  Workplaces that are at high risk of transmission
     ∗  Administrative, environmental and respiratory protection controls for preventing transmission
     ∗  PPE needed to minimize airborne disease transmission
     ∗  And more
     LEARN MORE

National RTAP Webinars

Join us for a webinar on Rural Transit Planning in the Time of COVID and Beyond on January 14, 2021, 2:00-3:30 PM ET, presented by Ken Hosen of the KFH Group, who will walk participants through planning efforts that rural and tribal transit agencies can undertake through three phases: 1) During the pandemic, 2) Recovery from the pandemic and 3) Post-pandemic.  It will also cover transit planning basics and best practices.  Webinar Registration

Join us for a webinar on Relax. A Special Stress Management Workshop.  In this special workshop, built on principles of National RTAP's Healthy Habits technical brief, you will learn how to manage stress and truly relax, even during difficult times.  You will be led through gentle exercises and a relaxing rural transit-themed guided visualization that will truly make your stress disappear.  Plus you'll receive tips to help you reduce stress now and in the future.  Register to attend the workshop on February 17, 2021 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET.