"Maine is known as an outdoors place, as a fresh air place, as a natural place.". Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. I flagged down Linda, who promptly set up my bed, made sure I was set for the night, and then left me to listen to the audiobook Id downloaded and text my friends during the on-and-off pockets of service (I didnt attempt to join the Wi-Fi this go-around.) In a letter dated Jan. 22, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn, who took the top job last spring, sent a letter to each member of Congress, citing Amtraks 50th anniversary this year. In fact, we have a full-time medical. Passenger train operator Amtrak claims to cycle air through cabins 44 times an hour. And thats when I got to work. We talked to Amtraks corporate medical director, Ann Kuhnen, MD, as well as two epidemiologists about why these precautions matter, and what else you should know before booking a trip. Fresh air is helpful to keep droplets from lingering, but it still won't protect you from a direct hit of a cough or sneeze. My lunch was delivered right as we entered my favorite stretch of the journey, when the scenery of central California expanded with the wineries of Paso Robles, then surrounded us on all sides with mountains. "We're investing in some additional CO2 sensors, we're setting those CO2 sensors to the lowest possible level, which is ensuring that out systems are exchanging air, at the fastest possible rate," Superintendent Heather Perry said in our report on schools last August. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. WASHINGTON Amtrak successfully advanced its COVID-19 recovery efforts throughout its 50th Anniversary fiscal year, through continued safety measures for customers and employees, increased train service levels in line with growing demand and continued building a strong foundation for modernization and growth. "Losing ridership and revenue has been a real challenge," said Donna DeMartino, the LOSSAN Agency . We have new procedures that ask people to stay seated and listen for directions for on how to detrain, says Kuhnen. Some Maine schools, like in Gorham, have used federal relief bill money to install upgrade their ventilation systems. Instead of eating in the dining car, I took advantage of Amtraks new room service option and had all my meals delivered right to my room at a time of my choosing. Theres not a huge amount of evidence that contaminated surfaces are the major source of transmission of COVID-19, says Lofgren. 01:32 (LOSE FILE CHIP) IT'S NOT JUST BUILDINGS -- PUBLIC TRANSIT LIKE AMTRAK HAS BEEN LOOKING AT AIR QUALITY TOO. In addition, the railroad has restored daily service for its East Coast long . The curtain of my cabin was closed, and not wanting me to miss the view, Linda hopped on our cars intercom to make an announcement. Trains also are safer than planes, in part, because many train stations have open-air platforms where travelers board, Dr. Aaron Rossi told USA Today in October. Many transit companies have established frequent cleaning routines, but evidence suggests that airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus poses a greater danger than surfaces. To maximize space between passengers and manage flow, Amtrak is encouraging customers to arrive 30 minutes before departure (60 minutes if they need ticketing or baggage assistance). In addition to snagging window seats, bus riders should look for the same safety features they would on a subway: a mask requirement, good ventilation and adequate spacing between passengers. Widespread mask use is key, says Lofgren. Despite these rules, the woman directly behind me left her nose poking out over the top of her mask as she carried on an animated conversation with her traveler partner. During the 2019 fiscal year, Amtrak carried a record 32.5 million passengers; however, an Amtrak internal analysis in April showed a 95 percent drop in ridership because of the coronavirus. Many airlines now require passengers to wear a mask during flights except for mealtimes, and some are blocking off middle seats to allow more distancing between people. Una buena ventilacin, . At the same time, the rail service announced that it would begin strictly monitoring where passengers sit and how many board each car. Those measures dont guarantee risk-free travel on board. Due to safety reasons, the windows on Amtrak trains open only in case of emergencies, explains Kuhnen. For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel, and building for the future. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted by the Biden Administration and Congress is a historic investment that will benefit customers and communities and prove that Amtrak is an important part of a larger solution to help America tackle the climate crisis, create economic opportunity and expand mobility.. I took a few last glimpses outside the window and wondered what views Id miss as we passed by in the darkness. Media members should contact the Media Relations Office for their region (see the map and listings here). However, Amtrak doesnt allow passengers to open windows any longer because of safety regulations and the central air conditioning. Nationwide, Amtrak was on time only 60% to 70% of the time in many states in 2019. Arnot said he has submitted a proposal to the Biden Administration to mandate carbon dioxide meters in public indoor spaces like bars and restaurants. 8 less-expensive spring break destinations. Helmet ventilation has been in use for 2 decades in certain countries, especially Italy; and its use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hi, there, she said before getting surprisingly excited. This will hopefully avoid clusters of people in aisles and at doorways. The same goes while aboard their trains. 09:20 CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY SAYS IT'S THE BEST OVERALL INDICATOR OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE FRESH AIR IN THAT ROOM OR NOT 09:26 // BUTTED // 09:32 IN WASHINGTON STATE NOW IF YOU GOT TO A RESTAURANT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A CO2 READING. It turned out to be a rough night, full of rattles and rumbles. East of Kalamazoo, where the track needs improving, Amtraks maximum speed is 79 mph. But is train travel during the coronavirus safe? Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. People refers to how many different people will you be coming in contact with. And read coverage from our international network of magazines here. "We were at 2,000 PPM for the local classrooms here, and we opened the window and we were at 550 PPM," Arnot said.The doctors say the upper limit of any building you would want to be in would be around 800 PPM, measured by CO2 meters that are available online and in most home improvement stores for around $100.Some Maine schools, like in Gorham, have used federal relief bill money to install upgrade their ventilation systems. METRO launched a joint website with regional transit systems to provide information to riders about safety protocols. "Youll have much more control over your environment and you can go a long way without being in contact with other people. But if a person with the virus is wearing a mask, the face covering will catch those droplets. As I approached the platform outside the sleeping car, I flashed my paperwork to a welcoming employee who managed to flash back a big smile, even with her face hidden behind a mask. According to online data, these locomotives burn about 10% less diesel fuel per mile than the old engines they are replacing and spew far less pollution, reducing by about 90% the two banes of diesel exhaust oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter, the diesel soot thats noxious to human lungs. "It's not to measure whether you have too much carbon dioxide as any kind of a toxin," Dr. Arnot said. They were very serious about having people wear masks. Amtrak. The only reason I needed to leave my roomette was to use the restroom, a regularly cleaned compartment about the size of an airplane bathroom at the end of the hall. Running on normal schedules are Amtraks other Michigan trains the Blue Water service that links Chicago to Battle Creek, Lansing, Flint and Port Huron; and the Pere Marquette between Chicago and Grand Rapids. You dont want to get sick just because someone was unwilling to choose a different seat. Or, get someone sick if you're a carrier. It has installed signs to encourage social distancing in high-traffic areas, such as the stations and cafe cars, where it has also put up plastic barriers at the customer counters. "I think Maine is very well positioned," Quinn said. However, too often, freight operators ignore the rule, according to Amtrak. In addition, in a city system (as opposed to a long-distance ride), buses make frequent stops. Your Health Quickly, Episode 1, COVID Poses Severe Risks during Pregnancy, Especially in Unvaccinated People, Survivors of Deadly Earthquakes Must Deal with Lasting Trauma, A New Map Tracks the World's Largest Glaciers, The Most Compelling Science Graphics of 2022, See How Much Climate Change Has Cost Different Countries. With tourism expected to rebound, officials hope to get back to about 60% of pre-pandemic ridership by mid-summer. Bidens order came after months of sporadic voluntary enforcement of mask-wearing by airlines and after a petition from Consumer Reports magazine, signed by more than 60,000 people, demanding a government rule for masking up during flight. Additionally, Amtrak now shows the capacity of its trains online as people shop for tickets, which may help customers choose emptier options. More. Linda and her boisterous charm bid me adieu, promising to return to show me around my new digs after she was able to meet, greet, and guide her other sleeping car passengers to their rooms. With mask mandates and capacity limits lifting in Maine on May 24, some experts are warning we need to take a closer look at something they feel has been overlooked in this pandemic: the quality of the air we are sharing inside. But I reminded myself that I was booked in one of Amtraks private bedrooms, a space where Id have my own sitting area, en suite bathroom with a toilet and shower, a sink, and, when I was ready to call it a night, a bed. Rossi is a medical doctor in Pekin, Illinois, and CEO of Reditus Laboratories, a company that conducts COVID-19 testing. 202 906.3860. By the time I reached the dining car, I was relieved to see that Sandy, the dining room attendant, was masked and wiping down tables. 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