COVID-19 Info

Transportation to Vaccination Sites


Starting January 20, 2021,  Hoke Area Transit Service (HATS) will provide free transportation to any resident of Hoke County who wants to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.  The NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and NC Department of Transportation (DOT) want to make sure that no barriers, including lack of transportation, prevent someone from getting vaccinated.  

Towards that goal, DHHS and DOT are distributing Coronavirus Relief Funds to local transit agencies to provide access to and from COVID-19 vaccine sites for North Carolina residents.   Anyone who is traveling to or from a North Carolina vaccine provider is eligible for transportation for the purpose of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or assisting someone who is receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.  Residents will not be required to schedule these trips in advance.  

Hoke County residents  should call the Hoke County Health Department first, to inquire on when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.  Once they are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they should reach out to HATS office to request transportation by calling 910-875-8696.   

HATS COVID-19 Transportation Policy


To ensure safety of all HATS passengers, HATS employees, and Hoke County residents, HATS will adhere to the following safety procedures:

1.  Drivers and passengers (5 years or older) are required to wear a face covering while riding HATS vehicles at all times.  The face covering must cover the individual's mouth and nose.
2.  The drivers will try to maintain 6ft distancing between the passengers as much as possible.  Glass barriers have been placed on each transit vehicle to separate the drivers from the passengers.
3.  Drivers will disinfect commonly touched surfaces throughout their shifts.
4. Before allowing a passenger to board the vehicle, the driver must verbally ask each passenger if they have had any of the following symptoms:  fever, symptoms of respiratory infection, cough/shortness of breath/or sore throat.  Additionally the passenger will be asked if they have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.
5.  If the passenger answers yes to any of these questions, they will not be allowed to board the vehicle.  The passenger will need to reschedule his/her transportation when they no longer have any of the symptoms.  
6.  The drivers will disinfect all surfaces at the end of their shifts.
   
HATS will adhere to the Governor's latest executive order.   All passengers who have any questions or concerns with HATS COVID-19 Policy should direct their questions to Nancy Thornton, HATS Director at 910-875-8696.