Chris Watt, a bus driver in King County, Washington, says he feels very lucky to have survived COVID-19 while other transit workers across the country unfortunately have not.
Colette Luke has more.
Seattle bus driver survives COVID-19
(SOUNDBITE) CHRIS WATT, BUS DRIVER, SAYING: "Everyday it's part of life these days" (Watt sanitizing his hands/steering wheel) Chris Watt is a bus driver in King County, Washington where the nation saw one of its first coronavirus outbreaks at the Kirkland nursing home.
Watt, who is 58 years old, went back to work this week after testing positive for COVID-19.
(SOUNDBITE) CHRIS WATT, BUS DRIVER, SAYING: "I feel great" He said he got tested after having common symptoms of the virus..
(SOUNDBITE) CHRIS WATT, BUS DRIVER, SAYING: "The results came back on the 27th and I was confirmed COVID" Watt says he's very grateful to be doing fine, but other transit workers across the country are not.
In nearby (SNAH-HOME-ISH) Snohomish county, one bus driver died from coronavirus… And in New York City, at least 41 transit workers have reportedly passed away.
Many transit workers across the country are demanding more protection before it's too late… (SOUNDBITE) CHRIS WATT, BUS DRIVER, SAYING: "I feel very lucky that it didn't develop the way it does in a lot of people," Watt believes he contracted the virus while on the job.
(SOUNDBITE) CHRIS WATT, BUS DRIVER, SAYING: "I believe it was while I was driving Metro buses," Watt says he had to use all of his sick time and more to recover from the virus, but says he feels he quote dodged a bullet.