MTA leaders say the agency will pay half-a million dollars to the family of any worker who dies from COVID-19. 

In addition to a lump sum payment of $500,000, the MTA will offer health care benefits to a worker’s spouse and dependents for three years. The agency has come under fire for not doing enough to protect its workers. 

MTA Chairman Pat Foye said the new policies are not meant either as an admission of guilt or as a way to avoid legal action.  They're simply the right thing to do.

"Under the horrific, unexpected, and extraordinary circumstances of this pandemic, that is an approximate thing to do given the loss of life that has occurred," Foye said.

The agency also announced any workers with COVID-19 symptoms would get priority testing at 50 sites in the state.