In one way or the other, the majority of COVID-19 patients interact or once interacted with a truck driver either directly or indirectly in their course of duty.
Just yesterday, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) recorded four positive cases for the COVID-19.
Interactions between traffic officers and truck drivers – motorists alike – are a daily occurrence which cannot be avoided hence all parties should treat these interactions with caution.
Countless supermarkets have been closed after cases of COVID-19 were reported, factories, police stations and hospitals too.
As truck drivers are in the thick of things delivering essential goods, they interact with all these people which is another reason why they should be reminded to be more careful.
“One officer fell ill on night shift on Wednesday 13 May 2020 and was tested at Milpark Hospital. The positive results were received on Friday, 15 May 2020,” said JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minaar.
The officer has been discharged and is now in quarantine at one of the medical facilities in the City which specialises in the treatment of Covid-19 patients.
“JMPD management arranged for other officers who worked with the infected officer to be tested,” said Minaar.
“The JMPD has implemented measures to ensure officers have access to personal protective equipment and is rolling out on-going screening and testing of officers to ensure their safety and well-being,” said acting Chief of Police, Director Sipho Delphu.
“Officers are encouraged to be vigilant, to adhere to the strict protocols on social distancing and use of PPE and to immediately present themselves for screening and testing should they display any symptoms or signs of infection.
“We wish to assure residents that our Officers will continue to serve and protect them and implore residents to also abide by the regulations and to cooperate with officers in order to keep everybody healthy and safe” added Director Delphu.
Nothing has been said about where these officers who tested positive were deployed.
While the government has flooded the internet with information about the COVID-19 pandemic, it still remains one’s duty to make sure they are safe.
It is not practical, as a truck driver, to keep track of what happens to everyone you meet in the course of your duty to ascertain their COVID-19 status.
The best thing truckers should do is exercise social distancing, always sanitise and pray the disease stays far away from them.
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