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‘Risking My Life’ to Truck In Milk, Wine and Hand Sanitizer ‘Risking My Life’ to Truck In Milk, Wine and Hand Sanitizer
(32 minutes later)
Joseph Morales puts on a mask and gloves whenever he is delivering truckloads of wine, vodka and gin to a thirsty city.Joseph Morales puts on a mask and gloves whenever he is delivering truckloads of wine, vodka and gin to a thirsty city.
But he can do nothing about the person who coughs or comes too close in cramped stores.But he can do nothing about the person who coughs or comes too close in cramped stores.
“I’m basically risking my life,” said Mr. Morales, 41, a truck driver for a liquor distributor. “If that person has it, I’m doomed because I’m right there.”“I’m basically risking my life,” said Mr. Morales, 41, a truck driver for a liquor distributor. “If that person has it, I’m doomed because I’m right there.”
Even as the coronavirus pandemic has shut down New York City, thousands of truck drivers like Mr. Morales are still rolling through its mostly deserted streets.Even as the coronavirus pandemic has shut down New York City, thousands of truck drivers like Mr. Morales are still rolling through its mostly deserted streets.
They are doing what they always do — moving groceries, household staples, and supplies and equipment — but with new urgency as they keep New York running and help people cope with the worst health crisis in a century.They are doing what they always do — moving groceries, household staples, and supplies and equipment — but with new urgency as they keep New York running and help people cope with the worst health crisis in a century.
Truck drivers have been designated essential workers, along with doctors, nurses, police officers, transit workers and many others who have been thrust to the front lines, at risk to themselves and their families. Some UPS and FedEx workers even worry that their trucks and warehouses have become breeding grounds for the virus.Truck drivers have been designated essential workers, along with doctors, nurses, police officers, transit workers and many others who have been thrust to the front lines, at risk to themselves and their families. Some UPS and FedEx workers even worry that their trucks and warehouses have become breeding grounds for the virus.
Many truck drivers began working longer hours as the outbreak spread. Manolo Sosa carried virus-fighting essentials — disinfectants, hand sanitizer, wipes and gloves — to senior centers, health clinics and apartment buildings in Manhattan and the Bronx.Many truck drivers began working longer hours as the outbreak spread. Manolo Sosa carried virus-fighting essentials — disinfectants, hand sanitizer, wipes and gloves — to senior centers, health clinics and apartment buildings in Manhattan and the Bronx.
On his busiest days, he has made up to 25 deliveries for a maintenance supply distributor, Kandel and Son, or twice as many as before. Grateful customers thank him. “I try to come back again and bring more,” Mr. Sosa, 37, said.On his busiest days, he has made up to 25 deliveries for a maintenance supply distributor, Kandel and Son, or twice as many as before. Grateful customers thank him. “I try to come back again and bring more,” Mr. Sosa, 37, said.
Recognizing the hardships faced by truck drivers, city officials recently opened two rest areas with portable toilets in the South Bronx and on Staten Island that can be used around the clock.Recognizing the hardships faced by truck drivers, city officials recently opened two rest areas with portable toilets in the South Bronx and on Staten Island that can be used around the clock.
“Truck drivers are truly heroes,” said Avi Kaner, a co-owner of Morton Williams, whose 15 city grocery stores rely on deliveries. “New York City supermarkets would be empty within days without trucking.”“Truck drivers are truly heroes,” said Avi Kaner, a co-owner of Morton Williams, whose 15 city grocery stores rely on deliveries. “New York City supermarkets would be empty within days without trucking.”
More than 280,000 people over age 18 work as truck and delivery-service drivers in the New York region, which includes New Jersey and Connecticut, making up about 8 percent of the 3.6 million such civilian drivers nationally, according to an analysis of census data by Social Explorer, a research company.More than 280,000 people over age 18 work as truck and delivery-service drivers in the New York region, which includes New Jersey and Connecticut, making up about 8 percent of the 3.6 million such civilian drivers nationally, according to an analysis of census data by Social Explorer, a research company.
The analysis found that 96 percent of New York region truck drivers are men. About 52 percent are white, while 42 percent are black or Hispanic.The analysis found that 96 percent of New York region truck drivers are men. About 52 percent are white, while 42 percent are black or Hispanic.
They earn a median annual income of $37,956, compared with $42,827 for all workers.They earn a median annual income of $37,956, compared with $42,827 for all workers.
As the outbreak has paralyzed the New York region, it has fallen to truck drivers to make sure that food and supplies keep moving.As the outbreak has paralyzed the New York region, it has fallen to truck drivers to make sure that food and supplies keep moving.
Four times a week, Steven Thomas, 56, makes the nine-hour drive between Brooklyn and Akron, Ohio, in a double tractor-trailer filled with medical equipment, auto parts and household products, including refrigerators and televisions.Four times a week, Steven Thomas, 56, makes the nine-hour drive between Brooklyn and Akron, Ohio, in a double tractor-trailer filled with medical equipment, auto parts and household products, including refrigerators and televisions.
“We’re trying to help people get the things they need,” he said.“We’re trying to help people get the things they need,” he said.
Now, whenever he stops on the road, he wears a mask, keeps his distance and squirts on hand sanitizer. “As a truck driver, my hands have never been so clean,” he said.Now, whenever he stops on the road, he wears a mask, keeps his distance and squirts on hand sanitizer. “As a truck driver, my hands have never been so clean,” he said.
Though trucks drivers have come to the rescue after other crises — including the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 — they have never before worked under such constant threat to their health and safety, said Kendra Hems, the president of the Trucking Association of New York, an industry group.Though trucks drivers have come to the rescue after other crises — including the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 — they have never before worked under such constant threat to their health and safety, said Kendra Hems, the president of the Trucking Association of New York, an industry group.
It is not known how many truck drivers have gotten sick from the coronavirus, according to trucking industry groups. But the largest union representing truck drivers, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said thousands of its members in the New York region reported having symptoms of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.It is not known how many truck drivers have gotten sick from the coronavirus, according to trucking industry groups. But the largest union representing truck drivers, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said thousands of its members in the New York region reported having symptoms of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.
To better protect drivers, many trucking companies have provided them with disinfectant, masks and gloves. Some have also encouraged drivers to stay inside their trucks when possible.To better protect drivers, many trucking companies have provided them with disinfectant, masks and gloves. Some have also encouraged drivers to stay inside their trucks when possible.
The trucking association has ordered 16,000 masks to give out free to drivers and others who need them, and is looking into buying hand sanitizer in bulk.The trucking association has ordered 16,000 masks to give out free to drivers and others who need them, and is looking into buying hand sanitizer in bulk.
“They are out there and they are putting themselves at risk,” Ms. Hems said. “Being exposed and getting sick from Covid-19 is a very big concern.”“They are out there and they are putting themselves at risk,” Ms. Hems said. “Being exposed and getting sick from Covid-19 is a very big concern.”
Ralph Blasi wipes down his seat with disinfectant before heading out to deliver milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt and bottled water to supermarkets, bodegas, nursing homes and hospitals in Queens and on Long Island. He takes along a mask and hand sanitizer to use after handling cash payments.Ralph Blasi wipes down his seat with disinfectant before heading out to deliver milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt and bottled water to supermarkets, bodegas, nursing homes and hospitals in Queens and on Long Island. He takes along a mask and hand sanitizer to use after handling cash payments.
Some nursing homes no longer allow him inside, so he leaves their orders at the door. Others require him to pass a medical check — taking his temperature and medical history — and that can add 10 to 15 minutes to each delivery.Some nursing homes no longer allow him inside, so he leaves their orders at the door. Others require him to pass a medical check — taking his temperature and medical history — and that can add 10 to 15 minutes to each delivery.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
For his trouble, Mr. Blasi, 53, actually earns less than he did before. His last weekly paycheck was just under $1,200, down from his average of $1,350, he said. Even though supermarkets are ordering more, he is making fewer deliveries overall and earning less commission with so many restaurants closed.For his trouble, Mr. Blasi, 53, actually earns less than he did before. His last weekly paycheck was just under $1,200, down from his average of $1,350, he said. Even though supermarkets are ordering more, he is making fewer deliveries overall and earning less commission with so many restaurants closed.
“I’m just trying to deal with it for now, until hopefully things get better,” Mr. Blasi said.“I’m just trying to deal with it for now, until hopefully things get better,” Mr. Blasi said.
In Queens on a recent morning, Mr. Morales was hauling 566 cases of assorted alcohol for Empire Merchants. Mr. Morales, whose father was a truck driver, earns $38 an hour.In Queens on a recent morning, Mr. Morales was hauling 566 cases of assorted alcohol for Empire Merchants. Mr. Morales, whose father was a truck driver, earns $38 an hour.
He started at 7:30 a.m. at a warehouse in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he picked up his delivery route, which changes daily. By 8:30 a.m., he was on the road in his 20-foot-long, burgundy-colored truckHe started at 7:30 a.m. at a warehouse in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he picked up his delivery route, which changes daily. By 8:30 a.m., he was on the road in his 20-foot-long, burgundy-colored truck
An upside of the pandemic is that traffic has all but disappeared. “It’s almost like driving through a no-man’s land,” he said. Parking is easier, too.An upside of the pandemic is that traffic has all but disappeared. “It’s almost like driving through a no-man’s land,” he said. Parking is easier, too.
But Mr. Morales, who calls himself a people person, does not like the emptiness. When he does see people, “you don’t know who’s who because everyone is walking around in masks and gloves.”But Mr. Morales, who calls himself a people person, does not like the emptiness. When he does see people, “you don’t know who’s who because everyone is walking around in masks and gloves.”
He has fewer stops, mainly at liquor stores. Most of his regular customers were restaurants and bars, many of which have closed for now. He often makes his last delivery by 2 p.m., hours earlier than before.He has fewer stops, mainly at liquor stores. Most of his regular customers were restaurants and bars, many of which have closed for now. He often makes his last delivery by 2 p.m., hours earlier than before.
Mr. Morales, the father of two sons, ages 6 and 9, said he was scared of bringing the virus back to his family. Yet, there he is going in and out of stores, and handling boxes with no idea who else has touched them.Mr. Morales, the father of two sons, ages 6 and 9, said he was scared of bringing the virus back to his family. Yet, there he is going in and out of stores, and handling boxes with no idea who else has touched them.
He tries to keep his distance from people, only to find himself often trapped beside them in narrow aisles.He tries to keep his distance from people, only to find himself often trapped beside them in narrow aisles.
He started having chest pains recently and assumed the worst. It turned out to be a pulled chest muscle from lifting a case the wrong way.He started having chest pains recently and assumed the worst. It turned out to be a pulled chest muscle from lifting a case the wrong way.
But what about next time?But what about next time?
“At the end of the day, I have to work,” he said. “I have no choice. But nobody really wants to be outside right now.”“At the end of the day, I have to work,” he said. “I have no choice. But nobody really wants to be outside right now.”