George Washington University to advise Amtrak's pandemic response

Amtrak today announced it has engaged the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health to provide ongoing technical expertise and guidance to enhance the railroad's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The research will supplement Amtrak's efforts to deliver a "new standard of travel" that includes enhanced cleaning protocols, contactless amenities, social distancing on board and in stations, required face coverings and sophisticated air filtration, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

"The extensive expertise within the [university's] Department of Environmental and Occupational Health will augment our internal health and safety team as we continue to make decisions to protect customers and our employees who serve them," said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Safety Officer Steve Predmore. 

Amtrak currently has a full-time medical director and public health and safety team who've been on the front lines of addressing the pandemic's impact on the railroad, its employees and passengers. As part of the new partnership, the GW Milken School of Public Health will advise Amtrak's team in the following areas:

• reviewing safe work practices, return-to-work plans and guidance for employees, managers and facility operators;
• monitoring the pandemic using regional and national data sources to anticipate and respond to geographic transmission trends;
• implementing workplace and operational practices that exceed the latest public health guidelines for COVID-19 prevention;
• reviewing and recommending disinfection, sanitization and decontamination practices in trains, stations and facilities; and
• providing timely and evidence-based advice to promote a safe work culture for Amtrak employees and travel experience for Amtrak riders.