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Dec 30, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Amtrak to cancel trains amid COVID spike among employees

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An Amtrak worker keeps watch from an Amtrak train during a station stop on December 9 in Fullerton, California. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Amtrak will reduce its schedule between New Year's Eve and Jan. 6 amid a recent spike in coronavirus cases among employees, according to a statement obtained by the Washington Post.

Why it matters: The Omicron variant has driven up infections across the United States, upending vacation plans and disrupting travel. About two dozen trains will be affected, according to the Post.

  • About 97% of Amtrack employees have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Still, it's seen an uptick in positive cases, largely fueled by the new strain.
  • The trimmed schedule reduces about 1.5% of Amtrak's trains scheduled for the week, according to the Post.

What they're saying: "Amtrak regrets any inconvenience," the railroad said in the statement.

  • "We are continuing to monitor changing conditions and will make any further adjustments as required," it continued.
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