According to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 Coronavirus is confirmed to have infected 209,839 people and killed 8,778 people worldwide. So far, the virus appears to be more dangerous for people who have pre-existing health conditions and people who are older. Coupled with other factors, this means that truckers may be more vulnerable than most to becoming seriously ill due to the current coronavirus outbreak.
Data on the virus and its impact is still being gathered. But currently, the WHO says that there are a few risk factors that are associated with a higher likelihood of serious COVID-2019 illness. They include being older, having respiratory issues, high blood pressure, lung disease, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
Unfortunately, on average truck drivers are much more likely than the general public to fall into those categories.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers anywhere from two to five times as likely to experience high risk factors.
- Trucker obesity rate (69%) vs American average (31%)
- Trucker morbid obesity rate (17%) vs American average (7%)
- Truckers who regularly smoke cigarettes (51%) vs American average (10%)
- Truckers with Diabetes (14%) vs American average (7%)
- Truckers without health insurance (38%) vs American average (17%)
- Trucker average age (55 years old) vs American average (38.2 years old)
Not only are truckers at a higher risk if they contract the virus, but due to the nature of the job, many truckers face challenges and risks that the general public doesn’t have to worry about.
While many Americans are being encouraged to practice social distancing, limit physical interaction, and work from home if possible, truckers don’t have that option. Trucking isn’t a job that can be performed remotely. Since many truckers are away from home for weeks at a time, they have no choice but to rely on other businesses for food, hygiene, and other basic needs.
Testing locations that have popped up in parking lots across the country are designed with small passenger vehicles in mind. Many can’t cater to large eighteen-wheelers. Even those clinics and healthcare services that do serve truckers are currently subject to the ’20 test kits per site’ maximum. With so few options available to them, truckers may have a hard time getting tested if they do feel sick.
Finally, while the CDC says that it is imperative for people who are sick to self-quarantine and avoid contact with other people, a huge number of truckers don’t have access to paid time off or sick days. And while an emergency spending bill is expected from the federal government at some point, the timing and final details of the bill are still unknown.
For guidance on how to manage your risk of contracting the virus, visit the CDC website.
Source: businessinsider, freightwaves, freightwaves, ncbi, bls, johnshopkins
Recently myself i came out of otr to be a facilitator at one of the big trucking companys. Our company asked the government to suspend random drug and alcohol testing as it put the driver at risk and office staff. Governments reply… No they still have to be done. So the government still isn’t realizing the risk. If HOS is suspended then so sure random drug test. It will help meep the drivers safe instead of having to come into an terminal or being sent to a urgent care who performs drug test. Myself i would not want to go to any urgent care at this point.
Average American public obesity rate is 31 per cent? I have just left Kentucky. I did not see one thin person over there. Everybody is fat. Even the cops. Where are all the thin Americans? Who made up that statistic?
Well that was really nice of your company to do that but how are they going to get you home or do you stay in the truck for 14 days at a truckstop rest area parking lot who’s going to help you get home for that and then to make sure that you’re actually going to get that thousand a week good luck and I hope everything turns out OK for everybody out there I can’t be out there right now I have cancer so I’m a good victim right here
OK this is a comment to the one that’s called mask what are you talking about being a beast on this has nothing to do with the cover 19 that is the most stupidest comment I’ve ever heard don’t worry about them being obese just make sure that you’re there to lend a helping hand delivering everything that everyone needs
On the one for mass sorry for the spelling it’s not supposed to say be supposed to be Overweight
PLEASE! Learn to use punctuation but even if you did your comment wouldn’t make any sense so I guess that says it all.
Just got an email yesterday from the company I’m with and it stated any driver that comes up positive for the virus and has to self quarantine for 14 days will receive $1000 a week for the days off. Thought that was pretty good of them.
Well that was really nice of your company to do that but how are they going to get you home or do you stay in the truck for 14 days at a truckstop rest area parking lot who’s going to help you get home for that and then to make sure that you’re actually going to get that thousand a week good luck and I hope everything turns out OK for everybody out there I can’t be out there right now I have cancer so I’m a good victim right here
If you’re an OTR driver keep your cab clean and disinfected and get some medical gloves to use every time you have to go in a truck stop or anywhere and dispose of those gloves before you get back in your rig. Then use a dab of hand sanitizer I believe you’ll be alright. We live in a bubble with way less interaction with people than the majority of the public. We actually may be the least likely to get the virus of anyone.
Otr east coast to west coast. Food supplies for grocerie stores. My question are we entitled to occupation hazard pay. We are in a high risk group. Maybe the Professional truck operator can unit through this pandemic. Be one strong voice . We may be dumb to alot of stuff but come on we are not completely stupid are we .
We need a leader that will invest back into our industry and count himself as nothing but a humble servant to the driving force of a 750 billion dollar industry. By the way the truck drivers only make about 1.5 billion out of the 750. Go figure lol .
Got pulled into inspection and dot showed their appreciation of us truckers by telling me I have 15 days to fix trailer abs light and 2 air leaks. So now I have to take off work and spend money that I need to cover my wifes job closing down. Thanks alot!
Kathy is right. Self quarantine in truck for minimum 14 days? Use public restrooms exposing virus to others and that is IF you can make it to a restroom in your weakened state. We are at higher risk because we travel great distances and interact with a lot of strangers. Any of that virus gets in your cab you’re going to catch it.
It’s a pretty sad state. I work mainly with CN Rail and their haven’t disinfected a damn thing. I drive up and touch the terminal kiosk to input data and how many coronafingers have already touched it?
Net income CA$4.216 billion (2019)
You can’t tell me they can’t afford to disinfect their stuff (and have properly working kiosk ticket scanners and biometrics too, btw, cheap F’ers).
Maybe Bill Gates can pay for the alcohol disinfectant? He’s the single largest shareholder, so maybe his investments can cover $19.95 per month.
*they.. haha.