SEATTLE – State ferry officials say they’re responding to the coronavirus outbreak with frequent cleanings on vessels and are asking passengers to consider steps such as staying in their vehicles when aboard the ferry to minimize chances of being infected.

In a general alert issued Wednesday, ferry officials said safety is their No. 1 priority and the ferry system is taking a number of steps to help stop the spread of the virus.

Some of those measures include cleaning vessels before each scheduled departure, including wiping down tables and seats, and generally cleaning all surfaces with a disinfectant cleanser, the ferry alert said.