How truckers can take precautions to avoid COVID-19

With COVID-19 shutting down businesses nationwide, many have begun to take the spread of the virus more seriously. 

Trucking, because it is so important to make the country run properly, will continue being of extreme importance. With drivers continuing to deliver goods throughout the country, the entire nation can continue receiving necessary items and foods. 

Nevertheless, just by virtue of being outside and interacting with folks on the road, truckers can be at risk of contracting the virus if they do not take the proper precautions. 

As of March 27, according to the Worldometer, there are over half a million cases worldwide and over 85,000 in the United States alone.

Throughout the United States, the virus is expected to continually spread, but a vaccine is in the works. Nevertheless, while receiving a vaccine may be free upon its creation, treatment for the effects of the virus may still leave folks with hefty bills. 

Consequently, it’s important to take precautions in an attempt to avoid contracting the coronavirus. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease is mainly spread between person-to-person, meaning that close contact with others puts you at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Considering the nature of trucking, which requires filling out forms and interacting with folks at shipyards and drop off locations, isolating oneself may be difficult. Nevertheless, making sure to wash your hands constantly and also not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can go a long way.

If you have access to gloves and face masks, they can be crucial to stopping the spread of the virus. Because respiratory droplets can land in people’s mouths or noses when they sneeze or cough, masks can be especially important. 

Additionally, the CDC recommends carrying a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Keeping a bottle in your truck at all times is a necessity, especially if your truck does not have a sink available. 

Another recommendation from the CDC is avoiding contact through social distancing. Truckers can take part in this quite easily. The fact is, while you’re on the road, you’ll be taking part in social distancing, which significantly lowers your chances of contracting the virus. 

Hopefully, by taking these precautions seriously and actively practicing them, truckers can avoid contracting COVID-19. If you are sick, however, please make sure to stay home. For additional information on what to do if you are sick, you can go here.

So, what precautions have you been taking? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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