CDC issues guidance for truckers who drive in or to NY City

If you pick up or deliver in New York City, the federal government wants you to continue doing your job, but be careful how you do it and about what you when done driving for the day.

The Federal Centers for Disease Control earlier this week issued self-quarantining guidance for greater New York City residents leaving the area because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. They issued a statement Thursday, March 26 that clarified that directive when it comes to truckers.

New York State, and especially New York City, has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. As of today, March 27, there have been 44,600 people tested positive in the state with 25,000 of them in New York City. There have been at least 519 deaths related to the disease statewide.

The CDC statement, in part, says:

“In line with our recommendations for other essential critical infrastructure workers, this guidance does not apply to critical transportation and delivery workers who are desperately needed for New York residents to continue their daily lives and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

It adds:

• truck drivers and other people driving into the city to deliver needed supplies should stay in their vehicles as much as possible as supplies are loaded and unloaded
• they should avoid being within 6 feet of others as much as possible when they exit their vehicles
• move to electronic receipts if possible
• if these drivers need to spend the night in the greater New York City area, they should stay in their hotel rooms or sleeper cab, when available, to the extent possible and continue to practice social distancing

The CDC added: “Drivers who take these precautions should not need to self-quarantine when they leave the greater New York area, unless self-quarantine is recommended by state or local officials for all residents in the areas where they live.”

The agency also had directions for the truckers who live in the greater New York area. The CDC said the may continue to work both within and outside of the greater New York area but should stay at home and practice social distancing according to instructions of state and local officials when they are not working. While they are working either within or outside of the greater New York area, they should stay in their vehicles as much as possible, avoid being within 6 feet of others as much as possible when they exit their vehicles, and move to electronic receipts if possible.

The agency added, “We continue to recommend that all people take precautions to stay safe and keep others safe, including washing their hands regularly, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and maintaining distance from others.”