At the time of writing, Gov. Jay Inslee remained firm on his statewide stay-home order which is effective until 11:59 p.m. on May 4. However, the latest from the Governor’s Office is that it is unlikely Washington will be able to begin reopening efforts by May 4. The governor notes that this decision, which he originally issued last March 23, is currently one of Washington’s most effective weapons against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses that are deemed non-essential have to close down temporarily. Public and private gatherings are banned, too. This was a difficult and unprecedented decision, but the state government has to prioritize its residents. It’s doing everything it can to curb movement and minimize interaction.
But while many Washington residents have been diligent with stay-home orders and physical distancing measures, there is a group of people that can’t afford to do the same. It’s business as usual for truck drivers, who are still expected to transport cargo throughout the state and around the country.
“Business as usual” isn’t as simple as it seems, though. The current situation inevitably changed the way truck drivers operate.
How Is the Pandemic Affecting the Daily Routine of Truck Drivers?
The importance of people on the front lines is more evident than ever. This doesn’t only include healthcare workers and medical researchers who are trying to contain the virus. It goes for all workers who continue to come in every day to provide the essential products and services that people need.
Truck drivers are probably some of the most essential frontliners in this situation. They have to deliver supplies across the state, despite the growing concern about the COVID-19 outbreak.
People are thankful for these drivers who make sure supermarkets are well-stocked with products like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and of course, food and beverages. This gratitude doesn’t drown out the problems that drivers face on a now-daily basis, though:
- Shopping for essentials is challenging.
It’s ironic how truck drivers make sure essential establishments are properly replenished, while they themselves have difficulty finding the things they need while on the road. A lot of them have to settle for convenience stores in truck stops. And even then, the options are limited.
Masks and hand sanitizers are now the most important everyday products that people need to protect themselves against the virus, but they have limited stocks at truck stops.
- There are limited food options to choose from.
Many restaurants are temporarily closed in an effort to minimize the spread of the virus. Currently, truck drivers have to rely on the limited number of restaurants that are open for take-out because trucks are too big for drive-throughs. The other option is convenience store food at truck stops.
Alternatively, these truck drivers can prepare snacks before they go out on duty. But the only sensible snack for long hours on the road is sandwiches.
- Drivers are putting in more hours than ever.
Long hours at work is another thing that truck drivers face right now. They normally drive up to 11 hours on a 14-hour shift. But because of the increased demand for essentials in many supermarkets and grocery stores, they find themselves on the road more often.
Add to this the fact that truck drivers are some of the most exposed people to the virus. The combined circumstances make it easier for their immune system to be compromised.
However, this isn’t only happening in Washington. For example, the Kentucky trucking community shares similar concerns. A lot of rest areas are temporarily closed so truck stops are filling up by midday, and many drivers have to park on the ramps right off the highway. Restaurants that are still open don’t allow walk-throughs for drivers whose trucks are too big for the drive-through lane.
If there’s a silver lining to this situation, it’s that there are fewer cars on the road. Drivers feel more relaxed transporting medical supplies, cleaning essentials, and grocery items from one point to another.
How Is the State Addressing This Unprecedented Situation?
The Washington state government has been proactive with getting residents to stay indoors and observe best practices. One of these practices is constantly reminding people about basic hygiene:
- Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Using alcohol sanitizer to keep hands clean
- Covering the mouth when one coughs or sneezes
- Not touching the face with unwashed hands
- Staying home when one is sick
These reminders apply to truck drivers, too. They spend all day with their hands on the wheel so they’re more vulnerable to germs and bacteria. Right now, basic hygiene is the best protection against illnesses.
A Reminder to Stay at Home
On an additional note, the state government reminds its residents to stay at home when they feel a fever coming on, combined with cough or shortness of breath. Stay isolated from people and animals that one lives with, and to make an appointment with their doctor.
For truck drivers, this means not coming in for their shift when they feel like they’re coming down with something. In addition to worsening their condition, coming in to work might expose more people to their virus even if it’s something like the common cold or an overnight fever.
An Emphasis on Overstocking
The state’s health department also puts emphasis on not buying more than what one needs.
Local supply chains still observe normal operations. Truck drivers make sure that store shelves are well-stocked with grocery items, medical supplies, cleaning supplies, and basic hygiene items. Yet, there are a stubborn few who overstock on supplies that are regularly replenished anyway.
Health experts say that the best way to avoid the coronavirus is to keep one’s hands clean, avoid touching one’s face, and practice social distancing. Overstocking doesn’t help. So, consumers should be mindful enough to buy only what they need and leave some for neighbors who might need them, too.
In turn, this could help ease the load of truck drivers who are constantly on the road trying to make sure all grocery stores, pharmacies, supply chains, and convenience stores have what they need.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Medical experts and healthcare workers aside, truck drivers are some of the bravest people on the front lines. They work every day to make sure people have access to essentials in the time of the pandemic.
This situation is the new norm for at least a few more months so trucking companies should comply with federal and state government regulations to keep their drivers healthy and properly compensated throughout the outbreak. There should also be a plan for when these drivers get sick.
Schedule a free consultation with Truck Driver Rights for any related concerns.