NEW YORK — With thousands of coronavirus cases in New York, it's inevitable that employees of the services New Yorkers rely on most will contract the virus. Cases have been confirmed in the NYPD and FDNY, for example.

Now, the MTA is confirming at least 23 employees have reported positive tests for COVID-19.

MTA CEO Pat Foye announced the news in a release Thursday, saying 19 New York City Transit workers and 4 Long Island Railroad workers reported positive tests, and are either "in quarantine or receiving appropriate treatment."

"Like any other community or larger company or agency in New York, we're worried about our colleagues," said NYCT Interim President Sarah Feingberg, adding the MTA is committed to do right by all of them, including those that become sick and those employees that may have been exposed.

Wednesday on the PIX11 News at 5, Foye called transit employees "unsung heroes" during this time, showing up to work when so many others are hunkered down inside, ensuring those first responders and medical professionals can get to work.

The MTA has said ridership has plunged with so many people social distancing, and has asked for billions in relief from the federal government.

NJ Transit also reported a ridership drop — a decline of about 88%. Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. NJ Transit buses and light rail will operated on a regular timetable.

Transit crews continue the enhanced disinfection process that began more than two weeks ago. At least once every 72 hours trains, buses and vehicles are disinfected. The station services are disinfected twice daily.

MTA officials said the system will continue to run on a regular schedule for now to service essential workers and first responders.