As the Coronavirus pandemic crossed 3 million infected cases overall the world, it is important to note that The United States alone got almost 1 million cases, which is troubling in itself.
Most of the offices are closing down their physical locations and working remotely but there are still many fleet drivers that are out on the road.
Whether you’re a delivery driver, a roadside technician, or any other type of driver that communicates with people, there are some steps you should follow to stay safe from the global pandemic Coronavirus.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered Coronavirus. What makes the virus deadly that it is thought to spread mainly from person to person.
1. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
2. Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
This is why it is important to maintain good social distance (about 6 feet)to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are various ways through which it can be spread
Symptoms of COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.
How does coronavirus impact the trucking industry?
Well first of all the virus is deadly and we should maintain a 6-feet distance, i.e social distancing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 1.8 million Americans employed as truck drivers.
As a population, truck drivers aren’t the healthiest. In 2014 take a look at by using the Center for Disease Control (CDC), it was determined that long-haul truck drivers “face a constellation of interrelated risk factors for persistent disease.”
We gathered five of the most current and vital health tips to keep you safe from COVID-19, whether you’re on the road or in an office.
1. Gloves, Mask, and Sanitizer.
2. Keep it clean
3. Exercise
4. Aware of your surroundings
5. Hygiene
Gloves, Mask and Sanitizer:
As the virus is capable of spreading if you are standing close to someone, so according to WHO, you need to wear a face mask if you are in close proximity to someone suspected with COVID-19.
It’s better to wear the face mask when you are out of the house, this would be more effective when combined with frequent hand cleaning, with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and with soap and water.
Regardless of whether you work from an office or out and about, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an absolute necessity.
Keep it clean
Following the completion of the day’s work, wash hands and wipe down your vehicle.
Don’t forget to wipe down within the vehicle, for example, the entryway, dashboard, seat, entryway hand, and any uncovered surfaces with shower disinfectant or disinfectant wipes after anybody enters your vehicle.
Have a small trash bag to discard dirtied gloves, towels, and wipes; ensure that you discard that little garbage pack toward the finish of each move, as per AAA.
A couple of things that you most likely handle each day that probably won’t get the consideration it ought to is your charge card, a corporate fuel card, or money. These things can hold the infection so it’s a smart thought to wear gloves at whatever point you handle these things.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water at the end of your shift.
Exercise:
Getting a decent amount of exercise never troubled anybody and is indeed important for everyone, but for long-haul truckers who are behind the wheels for hours on end. Exercise seems impossible to fit in. In a recent video by WHO: It is recommended to not to sit for too long, you need to take a break after a certain amount of time and should exercise or walk at least.
This will keep you healthy as studies have shown that 15 minutes of exercise would greatly benefit an average adult to conquer obesity, increase levels of cognitive function, and lower one’s risk significantly for chronic diseases.
15 minutes of walking or a 15-minute workout can be crucial for the drivers, who are indeed a crucial part of the workforce.
Remain aware of your surroundings
In case you’re a more seasoned truck driver with serious chronic medical conditions, this tip is particularly aimed at you. Over-the-road drivers can invest energy around the whole nation, and the infection is more present in certain territories than others. Make certain to stay educated on the present hazard status of the spots you’re halting along your course. Likewise, observe the wellbeing of people around you. In the event that somebody is hacking or wheezing close by, attempt your best to stay away from any of their conceivably transmitted germs.
Hygiene
Great hygiene isn’t the only bravo — it’s useful for the individuals around you. In case you’re a 20-something trucker, for instance, you may not be as stressed as the repercussions of COVID-19 as a more established truck driver with diabetes. On the off chance that you may have COVID-19, it is exceptionally essential to know that you can even now pass the disease along to somebody with debilitating medical problems.
In case you’re hacking or sniffling, make certain to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve. On the off chance that you sniffle or hack on your hands, promptly and completely wash them with cleanser and water, and abstain from contacting any surfaces. Likewise, attempt to remain at home and away from individuals in case you’re wiped out.
STAY SAFE STAY HEALTHY
To learn more essential information on COVID-19, check out WHO’s detailed and helpful Advice for the Public page.