Metrolinx says it is using data from its Presto cards to identify passengers who were on the same GO Transit bus as a York Region woman later diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

The 34-year-old woman, who just returned from Iran, took the eastbound GO bus No. 40 at about 3:55 p.m. on Feb. 26 from Pearson airport to Richmond Hill Centre.

She went to Mackenzie Health hospital in Richmond Hill the following day with a dry cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and a headache. She was later confirmed to have COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. She’s now recovering at home, in self-isolation.

GO Transit is also contacting passengers who boarded the bus on its following trip, said Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins.

Aikins estimates that 35 passengers were on the bus with the woman.

“If the card is registered, we are reaching out by email and phone today, we are doing that now . . . if you got on that bus without using your registered card then we’re limited with how we can get in touch with you,” she told the Star on Sunday.

Those on board the bus are being asked to contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653, Monday to Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., for further assessment.

“The bus has been removed from service now and has been thoroughly disinfected,” said Anne Marie Aikins, spokesperson for Metrolinx.

Aikins said Metrolinx have been contacted by a lot of concerned GO riders who wanted more information.

With files from Jacob Lorinc

Margaryta Ignatenko is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @MargarytaIgnat1

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