Page 18 - ATR 5 2020 digital

Critical Health Expertise for

Trucking’s Critical Work

Dr. Jose’ Romero, Arkansas Secretary of Health, talks COVID-19 and trucking

By Deana Nall
Contributing Writer

Dr. José Romero, Secretary of
the Arkansas Department of Health,
addressed the critical work of America’s
truck drivers during the COVID-19
pandemic at the ATA Annual Business
Conference in Rogers on August 18.
“Members of this organization,
the truckers of America, are essential
workers,” Romero said. “Without your
efforts, without your risks, we would
not be able to battle this current pan-
demic. It is you and your members that
are delivering the supplies that are nec-
essary for the protection, treatment and Romero outlined the steps truck to 60 percent ethanol. This can be pur-
diagnosis of COVID. I acknowledge you, drivers can take to reduce their chances chased or made at home, Romero said.
and I thank you.” of contracting the virus. He empha- And cleaning and disinfecting regularly
Romero, appointed by Gov. Asa sized four lines of defense that apply to will reduce chances of infection, he
Hutchinson to lead the Department of everyone: wearing masks, keeping a safe added.
Health in early August, is also a professor distance from others, practicing hand For truck drivers specifically,
of pediatrics at University of Arkansas for hygiene and cleaning and disinfection. Romero recommended limiting time
Medical Sciences. In his presentation, he “Masks provide source control,” outside of cabs.
described the heightened vulnerability of he said. “They don’t protect you, but “Do what you have to do and get
truck drivers to COVID-19 exposure and they protect others. Many studies have back in your cab,” he said. “Your cab is
infection. shown this.” your safe zone.”
He cautioned against gaiters and He also warned against handling
MANAGING TRUCK DRIVER RISK masks with valves, as they have been cash since it can transmit the virus, and
“Truckers are innately at risk for shown to be ineffective. he urged drivers to use electronic means
COVID because they travel from place They don’t retain respiratory particles to pay for things and give information.
to place, from area to area, where there within them as well as a mask, he said. When making a stop, Romero advised
may be high transmission levels all As for social distancing, maintain- drivers to again, limit their time outside
across the country,” he said. “And as ing six feet of space from others allows the cab.
they pass through these areas, they stop enough room for exhaled particles to “Contact the facilities which you
to get gas, to eat, to rest, to stretch their fall out of the air. Good hand hygiene are going to arrive at beforehand,” he
legs, and they become exposed. So they means washing hands often, and when said. “Let them know you are coming.
are at very high risk for getting infected washing isn’t possible, using alcohol gel You want to limit your exposure to that
while in route.” sanitizer that is greater than or equal environment as much as possible. Use

18 Issue 5 2020 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT