COVID-19

Updated: September 10, 2021

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires proper wearing of face masks per federal law. Face masks are to be worn at all times. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding or removal, and may result in penalties.

On January 27, 2021, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security determined that a national emergency existed, requiring the TSA to issue a Security Directive (SD) that requires masks to be worn by all persons at all conveyances (including buses and cutaway vans) or transportation facilities (including transfer stations, fixed-facilities, or locations that provide transportation). The Security Directive was extended from its original expiration dates (May 11th & September 13th) to January 18, 2022.

Mask Order Requirements:

• Mask must be properly worn and completely cover the nose and mouth
• Cloth masks must be made up of at least two layers that is breathable and tightly woven (fabric should not let light pass when held up to a light source)
• Masks must be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head
  • If neck gaiters are worn, they must have at least two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers
• Masks should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures

Masks No Longer Accepted Include:

• Face Shields (can be used in addition to an accepted mask, but can not be used in place of an accepted mask)
• Bandanas
• Ski Masks
• Scarves
• Balaclavas
• Masks made of loosely woven fabric
• Masks that contain slits, exhalation valves, punctures, or do not fit properly

Children under the age of two, or individuals affected by a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask safely, may be exempt from the requirement.

For more information on TSA’s Mask Requirements – Security Directives and Emergency Amendments, click here.

Additional guidance on the use of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19 is available on cdc.gov/coronavirus.

In response to the coronavirus’s impact (COVID-19), CCRTA’s Customer Service Center is currently physically closed, with bus passes not available for purchase at the location.

Bus passes remain available at many location H-E-B locations. Click here to view the list of H-E-B locations selling bus passes.

Customers may reach the Customer Service Center via phone, 361-883-2287, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. In addition, they may contact the Customer Service Center via the inquiry form below:

While CCRTA’s Customer Service Center is temporarily closed, all rural on-demand taxi service customers must contact their service directly to schedule, alter, or cancel their trips.

Paisano Transit: (361) 595-8575

REAL Transit: (361) 668-3158

Lost & Found Services will not be available while CCRTA’s Customer Service Center is temporarily closed. All items in CCRTA’s possession will be held in storage until the CCRTA Customer Service Center is re-opened.

If you have a question or inquiry related to a lost & found item, please contact Customer Service via phone, 361-883-2287, or through the inquiry form.

As part of CCRTA’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), CCRTA has started temporarily adjusting service levels. For the latest updates on CCRTA transportation, please visit our Rider Alerts page here.

Adjusted Service Levels

• Wednesday, March 18th
• Thursday. March 19th
• Friday, March 20th – Sunday, March 22nd
• Monday, March 23rd to Friday, March 27th
• Updated Weekend Service Levels, beginning March 28th.
• Route 76 No Longer in Service on Weekdays
• Route 95 Modified Weekend Service, Effective March 28th
• Service Level Adjustments, Effective April 6th
• [Effective May 9th & May 11th] COVID-19 Updated Service Levels
• [Effective Monday, May 18th] Updated COVID-19 Service Levels
• [Effective Monday, July 13th] COVID-19 Service Adjustments
• Route 28 Returns to Service January 18th, 2021

CCRTA is proactively taking aggressive cleaning and educational actions to help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), including:

• Aggressive and enhanced cleaning of all our bus and paratransit transportation fleet daily.
• CCRTA staff is cleaning all high touch area surfaces, including handrails, fare boxes, windows, interior areas (including driver’s areas), and other common locations throughout the day with hospital-grade cleaning solutions and misting disinfectant sprayers.
• CCRTA has equipped hand sanitizer stations in all bus and paratransit buses to help reduce germ spread.
• Enhanced cleaning of all transfer stations and workplace locations. All transfer stations are now power-washed multiple times each week.
• CCRTA will continue to communicate safety messages, information, and updates through display posters, flyers, service alerts, and social media platforms.
• CCRTA has implemented the Workplace Prevention and Influenza Illness Policy Guidelines, effective immediately, that states, “Any employee who has influenza/flu-like symptoms and has a doctor’s verified excuse or diagnosis paperwork will not be penalized for missing work.”

CCRTA will continue to evaluate and be responsive to the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The health and safety of riders, employees, and the Coastal Bend community remains CCRTA’s top priority.

While CCRTA is increasing cleaning measures throughout its transportation system, self-care is still the best protection.

Tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• Clean your hands often.
  • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place or coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
  • Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
  • Avoid touching facial features with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
  • Maintain a safe social distance (at least six feet) from other individuals to prevent contact.

•  If sick, stay home, except to receive medical care.
• If possible, it is recommended (not required) to wear two masks, for maximal protection from COVID-19 and COVID-19 variants.

What is coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.

What is a novel coronavirus? 

According to the World Health Organization, A “novel coronavirus” is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

According to Harvard University, some people infected with the virus have no symptoms. Common symptoms include low-grade fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.

COVID-19 can occasionally cause more severe symptoms like high fever, severe cough, and shortness of breath, indicating pneumonia.

Can someone spread the virus without symptoms?

According to the CDC, some spread is possible before individuals show symptoms. However, people are most contagious when they are most symptomatic.

What do I do if I think I have the coronavirus?

If you think you have the Coronavirus, please contact the Corpus Christi – Nueces County Public Health District, 361-826-7200, and a representative will give you instructions.

What can I do to protect myself from the coronavirus?

The CDC recommends cleaning your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This should be done especially after being in a public place or after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used if soap and water are not readily available.

Individuals should avoid touching their face or facial features with unwashed hands.

Close contact with individuals who are sick should be avoided.

Who is at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19? 

According to Harvard University, older individuals, and those with underlying medical problems like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart failure, or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

It is recommended that these individuals consult with their health care provider for additional protective measures.

What is the CCRTA doing to prevent coronavirus?

CCRTA is proactively taking aggressive cleaning and educational actions to help reduce coronavirus spread (COVID-19).

CCRTA is aggressively treating all buses, paratransit vehicles, transfer stations, facilities, and other common locations throughout the day with hospital-grade cleaning solutions and misting disinfectant sprayers.

All buses and paratransit vehicles have been equipped with hand sanitizer stations to help reduce germ spread.

CCRTA will continue to safety messages, information, and updates through display posters, flyers, service alerts, and social media platforms.

CCRTA has implemented the Workplace Prevention and Influenza Illness Policy Guidelines, effective immediately, that states, “Any employee who has influenza/flu-like symptoms and has a doctor’s verified excuse or diagnosis paperwork will not be penalized for missing work.”

CCRTA will continue to evaluate and be responsive to the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19.)

How many coronavirus cases are there in the United States? Texas? Corpus Christi?

Visit Corpus Christi Caller-Times for the latest local updates.

The New York Times also has an interactive tool to view local, state, national, and international data.

How can I stay updated on the coronavirus?

CCRTA will continue to provide updates on coronavirus and its effect on public transportation.

Recommended Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Texas Health and Human Services

Corpus Christi Caller-Times

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More frequently asked questions and answers will be provided as information develops.