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

COVID-19 VACCINE FINDER

The VaccineFinder website helps people find information about providers who offer select COVID-19 vaccines. VaccineFinder also allows healthcare providers to list their vaccination locations in a centralized, searchable database and to track vaccine availability.

VaccineFinder serves two roles in the COVID-19 vaccination program:

1. Inventory reporting (required for all COVID-19 vaccination providers):  Providers report on-hand COVID-19 vaccine supply each day through the VaccineFinder COVID Locating Health Provider Portal (https://covid.location.health/login)
2. Share information about COVID-19 vaccinating locations (optional for COVID-19  vaccination providers):  It is optional for vaccine providers to display their location to the public.  COVID-19 vaccination providers that will be receiving vaccines may choose to make their location publicly visible on VaccineFinder, making it easier for the public to find information about locations that carry COVID-19 vaccines and learn how to make an appointment.

• Providers who wish to display their locations to the public on VaccineFinder.org are highly encouraged to include a weblink to an eligibility screener or appointment scheduler, to help direct people to the appropriate next steps for getting vaccinated at their location(s).
• VaccineFinder will be set to NOT display locations to the public by default.  Providers must choose to activate their sites.
• Inventory quantities will never be displayed to the public.  Instead, the system simply lets users know that there is inventory in stock.
• Vaccines are available by appointment, so users are encouraged to use links or follow directions for next steps providers by each site.

For more information about using this system, see the VaccineFinder COVID-19 Provider Information link

APRIL IS DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH
Technology allows us to make phone calls, dictate texts or emails and update social media while driving - all actions that are proven to increase crash risk.  The National Safety Council observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to the epidemic.  NSC wants to empower you to put your safety first and Just Drive.
Everything You Need for Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Get Resources to Share, Take the Pledge, Get the Newsletter  

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH A #CLIMATE TRANSIT TWITTER CHAT
National RTAP's #ClimateTransit Twitter chat on April 20, 2021, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET, will discuss how climate change could impact rural communities and transit agencies.  Discussion will also include how transit agencies can prepare for the potential effects of a changing climate and tackle emissions to mitigate potential climate impacts.  RSVP at info@nationalrtap.org for an invite.    

FTA AND NTI "ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION FOR TRANSIT OPERATORS" ONLINE COURSES
The FTA has made available additional resources to support transit agencies as they work toward implementing the federal mask requirement while ensuring the safety of transit operators.  FTA has resourced with the National Transit Institute in providing this training.  The course's goal is to provide transit bus operators with prevention strategies necessary to reduce the likelihood of assault incidents.  The course includes updated learning activities and scenarios focused on passenger mask-wearing.  Registration 

YOUR GUIDE TO MASKS
CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.  Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.  Updated February 22, 2021.

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. 

FTA DRUG & ALCOHOL PROGRAM (Applicable Date:  January 1, 2021)
The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 mandated the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to combat prohibited drug use and alcohol misuse in the the transportation industry.  For that portion of the transportation industry having to do with the provision of and service to the public of mass transportation, FTA is the agency delegated with the authority and responsibility for issuing these implementing rules.  These rules are encompassed in 49 CFR Part 655, Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operations.  WHAT'S NEW -  2021 Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates.  FTA published the Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operations announcing the calendar year 2021 drug and alcohol random testing rates for employers subject to FTA's Drug and Alcohol Program. 

ANNUAL FTA DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Register now for the 15th Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference, May 11-14, 2021.  The virtual conference will take place on MS Teams through the WHOVA conference platform.

This free four-day conference will provide attendees with a background on Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operators (49 CFR Part 655) and Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs (49 CFR Part 40).

Attendees can choose from a variety of sessions to customize their experience for the specific needs of their transit system and knowledge level of the FTA Drug and Alcohol Program regulations. The conference will include separate training for both beginner and advanced Drug and Alcohol Program Managers (DAPMs) and various other sessions catered to running a compliant drug and alcohol program. Additionally, there will be networking opportunities, access to FTA and other Federal drug and alcohol compliance experts and FTA drug and alcohol program compliance auditors, and much more.

Register now for this free conference.