The safest measure in the COVID-19 environment is to stay home when possible, in accordance with public health directives. To help protect you and your carpool partner in the event you choose to carpool, GO Santa Cruz County gathered the following information from public health sources. For complete and accurate information on how to protect yourself in the COVID-19 environment visit the CDC website.
- Limit one rider per carpool, for a total of 2 occupants to allow for maximum distancing between driver and rider, or limit carpool size to no more than one passenger per row of seats
- The passenger should sit in the back right-side seat for maximum distancing between driver and rider, or if you have multiple rows of seats, sit diagonally from each other for maximum distancing.
- Wear a cloth mask that covers your nose and mouth and request your carpool partner wear one as well.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands or while wearing gloves.
- Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% isopropanol.
- Clean and disinfect vehicle surfaces between carpools: door handles (inside and out), steering wheel, armrests, seatbelt/seatbelt buckles, seats, and knobs (including climate control, radio, glove box, etc.).
- If possible, keep the windows open when traveling to increase airflow.
- Stay home if you have any one of the identified symptoms.
- Find a consistent carpool partner to limit the number of people with whom you interact. GO Santa Cruz County is ideal for identifying an ongoing carpool partner.
- Avoid physical contact with other passengers when entering and exiting and vehicle and maintain distance inside the vehicle.
