SAN ANTONIO — One VIA employee has tested positive for coronavirus, according to the company's spokesperson.
Lorraine Pulido, Communications Manager for VIA Metropolitan Transit, told KENS 5 the results were shared with VIA on Saturday, March 28.
"This administrative employee has little to no contact with the public and limited contact with other employees, Pulido said. "They last reported to work— in a badge-accessible only area — on March 23."
Pulido said the person is quarantined at home and has experienced minimal to moderate symptoms.
In a later release, VIA's Director of Communications, Rachel Benavidez said the team member works in VIA's security office at VIA's Joint Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) Building on North Medina Street. It's a secured office building requiring badge access to enter.
"The individual reported experiencing symptoms on Tuesday, March 24, and did not report to work, per VIA's contagious virus protocol for employees, which proved successful in limiting exposure to others when followed."
Benavidez added that employees were notified and the person's work area and areas throughout the building were immediately cleaned and disinfected. She said VIA shared the test results as soon as they got them.
"Persons who may have been in close contact with the individual and all VIA employees were notified the same day," she said.
Benavidez wants people to know that safety remains VIA's top priority.
"We are taking all recommended precautions to keep our patrons and employees safe as we continue monitoring this situation and developments in our community to determine possible next steps and additional precautions to keep our employees and customers safe," Benavidez said.
This news comes the same day that the San Antonio Police Department announced one of its officers also tested positive.
This morning, Mayor Ron Nirenberg's office confirmed he hopes to extend the "Stay Home, Work Safe" order (currently through April 9) following new federal social distancing guidelines. Nirenberg's office said he will work with County Judge Nelson Wolff on an extension.
For the latest on all the coronavirus pandemic developments, follow our real-time updates online.
