Risks to Truckers During Coronavirus Epidemic

Trucking can be a lonely job during the best of circumstances.  Drivers spend extended amounts of time away from family and friends while they drive their rigs across long highways.  But driving during a pandemic, with all individuals asked to maintain social distancing of 6 feet, creates a whole new level of isolation.   Long haul drivers are spending nearly 24 hours a day in their trucks – cooking, sleeping, “relaxing” all done within the confines of their cab. 

Truck drivers are keenly aware that if they contract COVID-19, they have the potential to spread it around over the vast geographic area that they travel.  They are also aware that without their continuing to work, not only do they not have an income, but ever increasing demand for shipped goods, will not be delivered.  As more and more states ask their residents to stay at home, […]

How to get tested for COVID-19 in Philadelphia

The landscape of how and where to get tested is evolving, as more drive through test sites are opening up.  But right now, here are your testing options:

Abington Hospital, Abington Township

Testing only with a referral from an Abington-Jefferson Health physician.

See more details here.

Penn Medicine, West Philadelphia and Radnor locations

Testing available to anyone experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms.  

If you’re a Penn Medicine patient, you should contact your health-care provider for a referral.

If you are not a Penn Medicine patient, you should call their toll-free hotline at 833-983-1350.

See more details here

Temple University, Ambler campus in Upper Dublin Township

Tests by appointment only to people who meet one or more of the following criteria:

Symptoms of sudden illness such as fever, […]

COVID-19 Resources

During this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to have a list of resources ready in case you need help and don’t know where to turn.  We have put together a listing, by category, of links to what we think are some very important sources of information during this trying time period.

Employee Rights – Paid Leave, Unemployment and Workers Compensation

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

FFCRA Supplemental Questions and Answers

US Department of Labor Guidelines

Information for PA Employees Impacted by COVID-19

Information for NJ Employees Impacted by COVID-19

Information for NY Employees Impacted by COVID-19

Social Security

Social Security Administration

Information for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 (the list is extensive and we have listed just a few)

US Small Business Administration

EXIM Bank Coronavirus Response

Forbes List of COVID-19 Small Business Relief Funds

PA Working Capital Access Program

Philadelphia COVID-19 Fund

Philadelphia Small Business Relief Fund

NYC Assistance and Guidance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

  […]

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)

Covered employers (see definition below) are now required to provide their employees with paid sick leave, expanded family or medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

This newly established Act will remain in effect until December 31, 2020.

In general, covered employers must provide the following:

Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave if the employee is quarantined, experiencing symptoms of coronavirus and seeking a medical diagnosis. 

OR

Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay because the employee has a bona fide need to care for a quarantined individual, or a child under 18 whose school or day care facility has been closed as result of COVID-19, or other specified reasons.

Up to an additional 10 paid weeks of of expanded family and medical leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay, […]

Unemployment Benefits and COVID-19

The $2 trillion stimulus package recently signed by President Trump greatly expands unemployment benefits for laid off workers.  Unemployment benefits will increase by $600 per week on top of the currently provided payments.  The stimulus package also broadens the numbers of individuals eligible for these benefits. 

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits?

Unemployment insurance is administered at the state level.  While specific plans vary by state, Americans are generally eligible if they have been laid off from their jobs.  The new plan has been expanded to include the self-employed, independent contractors as well as part time employees.  

According to the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation, you might be eligible if:

• Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
• Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
• You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
• You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, […]