COVID-19 update: ‘A first of its kind’: MTA introduces UV light program to sanitize subways, buses

May 22, 2020 Editorial Staff

The first phase of the MTA's UV light pilot program is set to launch on subways, buses, and other New York City Transit facilities throughout the system early next week. Photo courtesy of the MTA

Share this:

On the front lines of the war on COVID-19, there are many civilian heroes going out of their way, as volunteers and contributors. Also, many who are elected to serve are going the extra mile. In this column the Eagle hopes to give our readers an ongoing update on those fighting in the front lines.

The MTA on Tuesday announced an ultraviolet light pilot program proven to kill COVID-19, with the first phase set to launch on subways, buses, and other New York City Transit facilities throughout the system early next week. “This is a first of its kind pilot when it comes to transportation agencies around the world and we are proud to be a part of it,” said MTA Chair and CEO Patrick J. Foye. “The launch of this UVC pilot represents a promising next step in our ongoing efforts to identify technologies that can keep our customers and employees as safe as possible.”

At a City Council hearing of the Committees on Finance and Small Business on Wednesday, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams called for vital assistance for small businesses, discussing that there will need to be significant cuts to the city budget in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that small businesses in New York City will feel the brunt of the resulting economic crisis. “I am not confident we are prepared to help our small businesses,” said Williams. “I worry that future cuts will only weaken [Small Business Services], which in turn will hurt small businesses at a time that they need the most help.”

Brooklyn Film Festival’s 23rd edition: TURNING POINT, an online festival with more than 140 films viewable for free from May 29 through June 7 at www.brooklynfilmfestival.org, announced on Wednesday its plans for its opening night program. BFF’s list of sponsors for 2020 includes WNET-Thirteen, The Quebec Government, Yelp, Sobre Vista Resort, AbelCine, Be Electric, Xeno Lights, Lifevine Wine, Big Screen Plaza, Final Draft, MPE, Media Services, The Pod, Noble Jewelry and Brooklyn Film Society. The full film lineup can be found on the BFF site by clicking here.

Confirming recent reports that the TSA is considering a plan to check the temperatures of passengers as they go through airport security at what could be multiple U.S. airports, Sen. Charles Schumer on Tuesday released a public letter seeking more official information on the effort. “Before a plan like this is cleared for takeoff, the TSA needs to take the temperature of a variety of stakeholders, and that includes Congress,” said Schumer. “TSA, as an agency, has not been immune to COVID and some agents have sadly passed away. That is why any plan to assign agents a task that might be considered outside the general scope of their actual training will require a detailed and public proposal before it simply gets the all clear to fly.”