In an effort to keep the public safe, prepared and informed of the changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we want to share information we’ve received from Amtrak about a passenger who traveled through Los Angeles Union Station earlier this month who may have tested positive for COVID-19.

While we do not have full details at this time, we have received preliminary reports that on Monday, March 2 a female passenger riding a northbound Amtrak train originating in San Diego made a brief layover stop at Union Station before departing on Amtrak to another state.

Reports indicate that the train arrived at Union Station at 4:38 p.m. and departed at 6 p.m., a layover period of approximately one hour and 22 minutes. The passenger alighted at Union Station and appears to have visited the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. It is not known if she visited other locations within the station. Amtrak states she was asymptomatic during this time.

The situation remains under investigation and we will keep you apprised of this incident as we receive additional information from Amtrak or local or federal health authorities.

Metro immediately directed Union Station janitorial staff to perform additional deep cleaning of the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge and additional sanitizing of Union Station’s waiting room.

Union Station already has implemented a robust sanitation program to keep the station as clean, safe and sanitary as possible. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, we have further strengthened sanitation operations at Union Station as well as other major transit hubs. This includes placing an elevated focus on cleaning and sanitizing high touchpoint areas such as door handles, armrests, elevator call buttons, handrails, railings, ticket vending machines and restrooms.

​The interior of Union Station and its restrooms are cleaned every 30 minutes. We have assigned additional janitorial resources to clean the station’s interior every 15-20 minutes when possible. 

While no disinfectant can guarantee it will kill the coronavirus 100 percent, cleaning crews are using Virex 256 to disinfect Union Station facilities. This powerful cleaning agent has shown to be effective in killing a family of influenza-type viruses.

Metro is also continuously reviewing cleaning protocols to ensure that they are appropriate as the situation evolves. The agency continues to clean buses and trains at least once daily with EPA-approved disinfectants. Read more here.

Metro remains in close communications with Amtrak and with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over this matter.

Things You Can do to Help Prevent Spread of COVID-19

Please remember that the single best way to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus in any public place is to follow best public health hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Hand washing tips from the CDC are here.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue.
• Make sure you are using a robust, regular cleaning schedule for frequently touched surfaces such as cell phones and computers.

Please note that according to our local health agency partners, the COVID-19 threat level for individuals is still very low at this time. We will continue to provide you with the latest available information on COVID-19 as this global health crisis evolves.