Pandemic update: MTA expands antibody testing program

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City earlier this week expanded its antibody testing program for all MTA employees. 

Employees that are asymptotic, or not currently exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, but may have been exposed to the diseases are eligible for the antibody testing, MTA officials said in a press release.

The testing provides MTA and health officials with a better estimate of the overall infection rate to help inform public health recommendations, they said.

Testing priority will be given to employees designated as essential and performing critical operational roles. Participation in the program is voluntary and tests will be provided at no cost to employees.

MTA partnered with Northwell Health-GoHealth and BioReference Laboratories to provide the testing.

Meanwhile, the following passenger-rail agencies are rolling back some service reductions and other measures that were implemented to slow the spread of the coronavirus:

• Capitol Corridor will increase passenger-rail service June 1 in Northern California from five weekday round trips to eight;
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority this week resumed regular rail service service; and
• New Orleans Regional Transit Authority reinstated fare collections on its streetcar routes.