This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/us/coronavirus-bus-detroit.html

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Shoulder-to-Shoulder, These Detroit Workers Have No Choice but to Ride the Bus Shoulder-to-Shoulder, These Detroit Workers Have No Choice but to Ride the Bus
(1 day later)
DETROIT — Paris Banks sprayed the seat with Lysol before sliding into the last row on the right. Rochell Brown put out her cigarette, tucked herself behind the steering wheel and slapped the doors shut.DETROIT — Paris Banks sprayed the seat with Lysol before sliding into the last row on the right. Rochell Brown put out her cigarette, tucked herself behind the steering wheel and slapped the doors shut.
It was 8:37 a.m., and the No. 17 bus began chugging westward across Detroit.It was 8:37 a.m., and the No. 17 bus began chugging westward across Detroit.
On stepped the fast-food worker who makes chicken shawarma that’s delivered to doorsteps, the janitor who cleans grocery stores, the warehouse worker pulling together Amazon orders.On stepped the fast-food worker who makes chicken shawarma that’s delivered to doorsteps, the janitor who cleans grocery stores, the warehouse worker pulling together Amazon orders.
By 9:15, every available row on the bus was occupied. Strangers sat shoulder-to-shoulder. The city might be spread across 139 square miles, but one morning last week there was no way to socially distance aboard this 40-foot-long New Flyer bus. Passengers were anxious and annoyed. Resigned, too.By 9:15, every available row on the bus was occupied. Strangers sat shoulder-to-shoulder. The city might be spread across 139 square miles, but one morning last week there was no way to socially distance aboard this 40-foot-long New Flyer bus. Passengers were anxious and annoyed. Resigned, too.
“I don’t like it, but it’s something you have to do,” Valerie Brown, 21, the fast-food worker, said through a blue mask. She was on her way to work at a local Middle Eastern fast-food chain.“I don’t like it, but it’s something you have to do,” Valerie Brown, 21, the fast-food worker, said through a blue mask. She was on her way to work at a local Middle Eastern fast-food chain.
This hardscrabble city, where nearly 80 percent of residents are black, has become a national hot spot with more than 7,000 infections and more than 400 deaths. One reason for the rapid spread, experts say, is that the city has a large working-class population that does not have the luxury of living in isolation. Their jobs cannot be performed from a laptop in a living room. They do not have vehicles to safely get them to the grocery store.This hardscrabble city, where nearly 80 percent of residents are black, has become a national hot spot with more than 7,000 infections and more than 400 deaths. One reason for the rapid spread, experts say, is that the city has a large working-class population that does not have the luxury of living in isolation. Their jobs cannot be performed from a laptop in a living room. They do not have vehicles to safely get them to the grocery store.
And so they end up on a bus. Just like the No. 17 — a reluctant yet essential gathering place, and also a potential accelerant for a pandemic that has engulfed Detroit. It is a rolling symbol of the disparity in how this virus is affecting Americans.And so they end up on a bus. Just like the No. 17 — a reluctant yet essential gathering place, and also a potential accelerant for a pandemic that has engulfed Detroit. It is a rolling symbol of the disparity in how this virus is affecting Americans.
After the city’s roughly 550 drivers walked off the job for a day in mid-March because of safety concerns, city officials put in effect new measures. Riders had to enter through the back doors. Drivers would be offered gloves and masks. Buses would be cleaned more frequently.After the city’s roughly 550 drivers walked off the job for a day in mid-March because of safety concerns, city officials put in effect new measures. Riders had to enter through the back doors. Drivers would be offered gloves and masks. Buses would be cleaned more frequently.
Later, Mayor Mike Duggan said all of the city’s front-line employees, including bus drivers, would get $800 a month in hazard pay. He also announced that masks would be made available to riders on all buses.Later, Mayor Mike Duggan said all of the city’s front-line employees, including bus drivers, would get $800 a month in hazard pay. He also announced that masks would be made available to riders on all buses.
But on the first day of the mask initiative last week, there were no masks on board the No. 17 bus Rochell Brown was driving.But on the first day of the mask initiative last week, there were no masks on board the No. 17 bus Rochell Brown was driving.
A manager told her that riders were not required to wear them.A manager told her that riders were not required to wear them.
Ms. Brown, 49, shook her head and thought about a colleague who died this month from complications of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. “It should be mandatory,” she said of the masks.Ms. Brown, 49, shook her head and thought about a colleague who died this month from complications of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. “It should be mandatory,” she said of the masks.
She saw herself at risk of a similar fate. She had a heart attack two years ago and has hypertension. The night before this ride, her doctor suggested she take time off for her safety.She saw herself at risk of a similar fate. She had a heart attack two years ago and has hypertension. The night before this ride, her doctor suggested she take time off for her safety.
Yet here she was, on a sun-soaked, mild spring morning, performing an “essential” duty for $19.13 an hour, but without, she felt, the praise and appreciation that police officers and emergency medical workers received. No one was peering out of a window clapping for her. Her bus was not even equipped with masks.Yet here she was, on a sun-soaked, mild spring morning, performing an “essential” duty for $19.13 an hour, but without, she felt, the praise and appreciation that police officers and emergency medical workers received. No one was peering out of a window clapping for her. Her bus was not even equipped with masks.
The 17 line cuts a roughly 25-mile path across Eight Mile Road, the infamous dividing line between black Detroit and the white suburbs.The 17 line cuts a roughly 25-mile path across Eight Mile Road, the infamous dividing line between black Detroit and the white suburbs.
The route tells the story of these bizarre times. It traces streets devoid of traffic, winds through the completely empty parking lot of a temporarily shuttered mall and dips into the bustling parking lot of a grocery store, one of the few businesses that can still attract big crowds.The route tells the story of these bizarre times. It traces streets devoid of traffic, winds through the completely empty parking lot of a temporarily shuttered mall and dips into the bustling parking lot of a grocery store, one of the few businesses that can still attract big crowds.
That’s where Demetrius Jordan, 37, hops off to work his job as a janitor. First order of business at work: wash his hands. The trip was a necessary risk for Mr. Jordan, who said he worried most about the people whose only respite from the elements was a seat on the bus.That’s where Demetrius Jordan, 37, hops off to work his job as a janitor. First order of business at work: wash his hands. The trip was a necessary risk for Mr. Jordan, who said he worried most about the people whose only respite from the elements was a seat on the bus.
“My concern is about the homeless people on the bus,” he said, adding that they were endangering themselves and others. “Are they being checked out?”“My concern is about the homeless people on the bus,” he said, adding that they were endangering themselves and others. “Are they being checked out?”
A notice on the Detroit Department of Transportation website asks “that customers limit nonessential bus travel.”A notice on the Detroit Department of Transportation website asks “that customers limit nonessential bus travel.”
Drivers and passengers going to work say that is not happening. This trip on the No. 17 attracted riders headed to the store, to visit friends and family, and at least one homeless man.Drivers and passengers going to work say that is not happening. This trip on the No. 17 attracted riders headed to the store, to visit friends and family, and at least one homeless man.
Riders should be required to present proof that they are performing essential duties, Ms. Brown said.Riders should be required to present proof that they are performing essential duties, Ms. Brown said.
“I would appreciate that — show some paperwork why you’re out here, what I’m risking my life for,” she said. “To me, too many people don’t care.”“I would appreciate that — show some paperwork why you’re out here, what I’m risking my life for,” she said. “To me, too many people don’t care.”
A rider stepping off another No. 17 bus vented her frustration.A rider stepping off another No. 17 bus vented her frustration.
“I’m an essential worker,” she yelled. “I have to get out here and get the bus, but I’m tired of getting on this bus with people that want to visit other people because they ain’t working and they’re at home and they’re bored.”“I’m an essential worker,” she yelled. “I have to get out here and get the bus, but I’m tired of getting on this bus with people that want to visit other people because they ain’t working and they’re at home and they’re bored.”
Ms. Brown, the fast-food worker, boarded at the corner of East Eight Mile and Kelly Roads shortly before 9 a.m. to a bus that was still relatively empty. She sat at a window on the left. But within 20 minutes, a man sidled up right next to her.Ms. Brown, the fast-food worker, boarded at the corner of East Eight Mile and Kelly Roads shortly before 9 a.m. to a bus that was still relatively empty. She sat at a window on the left. But within 20 minutes, a man sidled up right next to her.
“It was kind of irritating because there was a lot of space,” she said later. “I was like, why do you want to sit right next to someone when there are so many seats?”“It was kind of irritating because there was a lot of space,” she said later. “I was like, why do you want to sit right next to someone when there are so many seats?”
With roughly the front third of the bus blocked off to protect the driver, passengers that morning were left with 29 seats to choose from. At peak ridership, there were 21 people on board at a single time.With roughly the front third of the bus blocked off to protect the driver, passengers that morning were left with 29 seats to choose from. At peak ridership, there were 21 people on board at a single time.
Despite a statewide stay-at-home order, the buses are often packed, Ms. Brown said. If a bus is too crowded, she will sometimes wait for the next one. She does not like taking chances.Despite a statewide stay-at-home order, the buses are often packed, Ms. Brown said. If a bus is too crowded, she will sometimes wait for the next one. She does not like taking chances.
She lives with her mother, who is 42 and recently battled pneumonia. Ms. Brown does not want to bring the coronavirus home to her, or to her father and three siblings who also live in the four-bedroom house in the neighboring town of Eastpointe.She lives with her mother, who is 42 and recently battled pneumonia. Ms. Brown does not want to bring the coronavirus home to her, or to her father and three siblings who also live in the four-bedroom house in the neighboring town of Eastpointe.
“I’m risking bringing it home,” said Ms. Brown, who rides the bus seven days a week. “And I work at a restaurant. It’s a high risk for it, and you can’t do anything about it really if your job is still open.”“I’m risking bringing it home,” said Ms. Brown, who rides the bus seven days a week. “And I work at a restaurant. It’s a high risk for it, and you can’t do anything about it really if your job is still open.”
The bus made it to the end of the line in a brisk hour and 38 minutes. It headed back the other direction, and as more and more passengers piled on — most wearing masks — tensions rose.The bus made it to the end of the line in a brisk hour and 38 minutes. It headed back the other direction, and as more and more passengers piled on — most wearing masks — tensions rose.
When a rider tried to take a seat next to a young man with an American flag bandanna tied around his neck, the young man stopped him and pointed him to another seat. He then pulled the bandanna over his nose and mouth and tightened it.When a rider tried to take a seat next to a young man with an American flag bandanna tied around his neck, the young man stopped him and pointed him to another seat. He then pulled the bandanna over his nose and mouth and tightened it.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
An older woman carrying two shopping bags wedged herself into a seat in front of two riders. One of those riders recoiled, wondering why the woman had come so close. “Excuse me,” she said, “the six-feet distance.”An older woman carrying two shopping bags wedged herself into a seat in front of two riders. One of those riders recoiled, wondering why the woman had come so close. “Excuse me,” she said, “the six-feet distance.”
The older woman pointed across the aisle to where she had been sitting and said the woman behind her had been coughing. She wanted no part of that. The woman who had coughed was close enough to hear, and she mumbled a few choice words beneath her yellow mask.The older woman pointed across the aisle to where she had been sitting and said the woman behind her had been coughing. She wanted no part of that. The woman who had coughed was close enough to hear, and she mumbled a few choice words beneath her yellow mask.
Ms. Banks, who sprays her seat with Lysol before sitting, wondered whether the reduced service contributed to the packed buses. During the week, the buses are running on the Saturday schedule, meaning they come less frequently.Ms. Banks, who sprays her seat with Lysol before sitting, wondered whether the reduced service contributed to the packed buses. During the week, the buses are running on the Saturday schedule, meaning they come less frequently.
“I take my own precaution by disinfecting; I still don’t think it’s safe,” she said.“I take my own precaution by disinfecting; I still don’t think it’s safe,” she said.
She was “a little scared” about riding the bus, she said, and sometimes asked her co-workers for a ride. Ms. Banks, 27, said she worried that if she became infected, she would pass on the virus to others because her job with the National Guard often has her around a lot of people.She was “a little scared” about riding the bus, she said, and sometimes asked her co-workers for a ride. Ms. Banks, 27, said she worried that if she became infected, she would pass on the virus to others because her job with the National Guard often has her around a lot of people.
The crowds do not faze all passengers.The crowds do not faze all passengers.
John Porter spread out on the back seat in black sweatpants and an unzipped brown jacket, his mustachioed face uncovered. He was headed home after his wife took the car to work.John Porter spread out on the back seat in black sweatpants and an unzipped brown jacket, his mustachioed face uncovered. He was headed home after his wife took the car to work.
“I believe in the Lord,” Mr. Porter, 63, said. “If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.”“I believe in the Lord,” Mr. Porter, 63, said. “If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.”
A.J. Harris, 24, wore a mask but said he was not concerned about riding the bus. His attitude seemed more of resignation than bravado.A.J. Harris, 24, wore a mask but said he was not concerned about riding the bus. His attitude seemed more of resignation than bravado.
“These buses have been dirty long before the coronavirus was going on,” said Mr. Harris, on his way to work at an Amazon warehouse. “You got on the bus every day with people having H.I.V. and bedbugs, all types of diseases. It’s just another dirty bus coming along.”“These buses have been dirty long before the coronavirus was going on,” said Mr. Harris, on his way to work at an Amazon warehouse. “You got on the bus every day with people having H.I.V. and bedbugs, all types of diseases. It’s just another dirty bus coming along.”
Ms. Brown, the driver, does what she can to manage the crowds.Ms. Brown, the driver, does what she can to manage the crowds.
She does not allow anyone to stand — most other drivers do, so passengers tend to gripe when she tells them to sit. She will pass up stops when her bus is full, though she is loath to do that because she knows that some people need to get to work on time.She does not allow anyone to stand — most other drivers do, so passengers tend to gripe when she tells them to sit. She will pass up stops when her bus is full, though she is loath to do that because she knows that some people need to get to work on time.
As she zoomed past a couple of stops, waiting riders threw their arms in the air. One person threw a plastic shopping bag at the bus.As she zoomed past a couple of stops, waiting riders threw their arms in the air. One person threw a plastic shopping bag at the bus.
Ms. Brown sees the disgruntled reactions and hears the snide comments coming from the back of the bus. On her way back to the beginning of the line, a man cursed her because she would not let him off between stops.Ms. Brown sees the disgruntled reactions and hears the snide comments coming from the back of the bus. On her way back to the beginning of the line, a man cursed her because she would not let him off between stops.
She arrived back to the first stop — on a wide road between a hospital and brick bungalows — at 11:57 a.m. Three hours and 20 minutes, and she had had enough.She arrived back to the first stop — on a wide road between a hospital and brick bungalows — at 11:57 a.m. Three hours and 20 minutes, and she had had enough.
Shortly after she stepped off the bus, a couple of passengers came asking for masks. Another driver who did not have masks on his bus would not let them get on without one. She did not have any, she told them, and they vented their frustration.Shortly after she stepped off the bus, a couple of passengers came asking for masks. Another driver who did not have masks on his bus would not let them get on without one. She did not have any, she told them, and they vented their frustration.
“This is stressful,” Ms. Brown said, and right there she decided it was best she followed her doctor’s advice. She was taking a two-week medical break.“This is stressful,” Ms. Brown said, and right there she decided it was best she followed her doctor’s advice. She was taking a two-week medical break.
This week, things were getting worse for riders, Valerie Brown, the fast-food worker, said in a text message. Officials had put signs on some seats, asking passengers to leave them vacant, but the message was being ignored, she wrote. It was standing room only on one ride, she said, yet the driver continued to pick up riders.This week, things were getting worse for riders, Valerie Brown, the fast-food worker, said in a text message. Officials had put signs on some seats, asking passengers to leave them vacant, but the message was being ignored, she wrote. It was standing room only on one ride, she said, yet the driver continued to pick up riders.
Ms. Brown texted two face-slapping emojis. “It’s never going to get better here.”Ms. Brown texted two face-slapping emojis. “It’s never going to get better here.”