TTA’s team has compiled transportation safety guide and a list of resources to help businesses through these uncertain times. This list is available to members and non-members alike as we all navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak together.
In order to keep yourself, your employees, your drivers and passengers safe and healthy, please follow these suggested safety guidelines. Please remember to communicate regularly with your customers about the steps you are taking to ensure their safety.
Transportation Safety Guidelines
1. If You’re Sick, Stay Home
While this rule should be followed at all times, it is even more pressing now that all employees—drivers and management teams alike—follow health protocols and stay home if they are feeling unwell. While the flu/cold season is still upon us, and allergy season ramping up, it can be difficult to differentiate ailments. To ensure you keep yourself, your employees, your drivers and your passengers safe, TTA recommends all transportation personnel stay home from work if they are experiencing the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
In addition to staying home, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please consult the CDC's website and immediately contact your health care provider.
2. Practice social distancing
Implement a six-foot distance policy as often as possible per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines--whether that means maintaining distance in the office or between a driver and passengers in the vehicle.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
In order to reduce exposure and risk, regularly practice the following good hygiene measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
4. Clean Vehicles Regularly
- Plan to clean and disinfect your vehicles as often as possible. Pay close attention to surfaces that are touched often by passengers.
- Use a disinfectant that is pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against COVID-19.
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and only use them once.
For more information on how to properly clean and disinfect vehicles, please click here.
5. Inform Passengers of Precautionary Steps
In order to reduce panic and worry surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to inform passengers of the precautionary measures your company is taking in order to ensure driver and passenger safety. For example, some operators are using short videos to effectively communicate via social media.
COVID-19 Resource Center
Medical & Safety Resources
CDC
John Hopkins University & Medicine: Coronavirus Resource Center
Government Resources
Coronavirus Guidelines for America: The White House Coronavirus Task Force issued guidelines – 15 Days to Slow the Spread (Español)– to help protect all Americans during the global Coronavirus outbreak. Even if you are young and otherwise healthy, you are at risk—and your activities can increase the risk of contracting the Coronavirus for others. Everyone can do their part. The recommendations are simple to follow but will have a resounding impact on public health. Find the guidelines here:
Up-To-Date Information: The most up-to-date, verified information and guidance can be found via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 website – www.coronavirus.gov.
Disaster Response and Recovery Primer: Response and recovery efforts are locally executed, state managed, and federally supported. It is important that requests for assistance, including for critical supplies, get routed through the proper channels as soon as possible. Learn more about the response and recovery process via this important resource – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Response and Recovery Through Federal-State-Local-Tribal Partnership. FEMA’s public assistance guidance for COVID-19 response efforts can be found here.
Coronavirus Fact vs. Myth: Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. FEMA setup a website to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Social Media Resources: Follow the White House on Twitter and Facebook. Also follow HHS (Twitter/Facebook) and CDC (Twitter/Facebook) You can also find informational videos from Coronavirus Task Force members on mitigation, social distancing, etc. on the White House’s YouTube page.
Fraud & Scam Protection: The Department of Justice is remaining vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. Find out how you can protect yourself and helpful resources on DOJ’s Coronavirus Fraud Prevention website. The Federal Trade Commission has also established a website with helpful information to help consumers avoid coronavirus-related scams.
Administration Actions and Federal Agency Resources: USA.gov is cataloging all U.S. government activities related to coronavirus. From actions on health and safety to travel, immigration, and transportation to education, find pertinent actions here. Each Federal Agency has also established a dedicated coronavirus website, where you can find important information and guidance. They include: Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Education (DoED), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State (DOS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of the Treasury (USDT), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC).
New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission: Important Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Washington Department of Health: “Guidance for Rideshare and Taxi Drivers”
Business Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Loan Program PowerPoint
U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD):
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
U.S. Treasury: Paycheck Protection Program Application
PR Resources
Curtis Gabriel: Social Media Crisis Management (PowerPoint available here)
Member Example: Liberty Yellow Cab (Buffalo, NY)
This page will be regularly updated with the latest information surrounding COVID-19. Please check back frequently.
If you have any questions, please contact The Transportation Alliance.