While there’s a lot of debate around reopening, and various parts of the country are handling reopening differently, one this is certain: quarantine is ending. But that doesn’t mean COVID-19 is gone. We all need to do our part to make sure our coworkers, drivers, and community members stay safe. We’d like to share the precautions we’re taking, along with some resources to help you create and execute your reopening safety plan.
1. Follow the CDC Guidelines for Reopening
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) published guidelines for reopening to help reduce the risk of exposure. These guidelines include best practices for social distancing, sanitation, and personal hygiene. Here are some good links to serve as starting points, but we recommend that you read anything that pertains to your business.
Reopening guidance main page: General information for reopening public spaces, workplaces, and other organizations, along with tips for preparing your self, home, and personal spaces.
Reopening guidelines for businesses and workplaces: Specific information for how to plan, prepare and respond through and beyond reopening.
Cleaning and disinfecting decision tool: Helps battle the overwhelm so you can plan and prioritize cleaning and disinfecting requirements and tasks.
Disinfecting facilities: Includes steps for daily disinfecting, and additional information on how to handle disinfecting when someone is sick.
Disinfecting vehicles: How to clean your non-emergency vehicles after they have transported a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
2. Make a Reopening Plan, but Stay Flexible
First and foremost, the CDC recommends that business leaders make a plan, implement that plan, and revise as necessary. Unfortunately, businesses cannot go back to pre-COVID normal until we’ve achieved significant scientific progress. Without carefully planned reopening and diligent adherence to safety plans, we could inadvertently kick off another wave of infection.
The CDC website provides valuable information, including:
- An informational video that helps clarify the facts around COVID-19
- Communication resources business leaders can use to inform staff and customers of plans and practices
- Ongoing mitigation guidance
- Prevention and support links
Please note that the COVID-19 response is ongoing. That means recommendations are subject to change as our scientific community discovers new information. Make check-in with the CDC’s latest information part of your plan, and adjust your procedures as necessary.
3. Stick to Reliable Sources
There’s a lot of misinformation out there! Be sure your response team relies on verified data from the CDC or the World Health Organization only. Your organization should steer clear of unreliable sources, including YouTube. Also, keep up to date with the FMCSA’s latest news. Our industry is experiencing rapid change, and the FMCSA is the best source to stay up to date!
4. Focus on Your People Through and Beyond Reopening
There is still a lot of fear, concern, and confusion surrounding COVID-19. Your workers, and your drivers, in particular, may be suffering increased fatigue and anxiety. The relaxed hours of service regulations in support of essential supply chain operations, while necessary, increase both demands and expectations on drivers. The CDC has issued guidelines to help manage worker fatigue through the pandemic.
Additionally, be sure your employees understand their health and sick time benefits, including access to remote/virtual physician services and mental health support. Encourage your workers to seek the help they need, speak up if they fall ill, get tested if they suspect they’ve contracted COVID-19, and prioritize health and safety first.
From the initial stages of COVID, through quarantine, and now into reopening, we’ve all met some tough and unanticipated challenges head-on. As we move through reopening, we all need to do our part, working toward a better and safer tomorrow. If your team needs drivers, be sure to talk to us. F|Staff can help you reduce your burden, lighten the load on your existing staff, and keep the community moving forward.
