Pandemic
Introduction
Not unlike the Spanish flu one century ago, the COVID-19 virus tore a devastating hole in the hearts and souls of the Richmond community.
Its effects on our lives are innumerable: from loss of human lives to loneliness and pain and the struggle to provide for our own families during the numerous quarantines. The GRTC has seen its share of the tragedy and anxiety triggered by the pandemic, and by putting first the safety of its staff and passengers in its daily service, continues to play an important role in the defense of our families and livelihoods. From the beginning of the pandemic, the GRTC has begun implementing reasonable precautions to limit the spread of the virus in the public transit as much as possible. To protect our most vulnerable members of the community, the GRTC now provides its services for zero fare, deploys frequent cleaning and provides hand sanitizers for passengers, and asks its passengers to follow the guidelines for health precautions and proper hygiene.
GRTC Bus Operator John Thrower. Photo courtesy of John Thrower.
Tribute to John Thrower
John Thrower, the first GRTC employee to die of Covid, known for his bright smile and positive attitude, left behind many mourners: a wife and a son, his family, friends, and the coworkers at the GRTC.
Infographics
Below are interactive infographics that document the Coronavirus Cases and Deaths over the course of the pandemic.
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I just think the job’s been a blessing…
And through this hard time, it’s been hard on a lot of people, but we’ve been blessed through the pandemic.
Yakeshia Anderson & Marlon Buck