The waste and recycling industry has been deemed an “essential service,” but workers are at risk of being exposed to COVID-19 due to the nature of their jobs.
In New York, 120 City of New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) workers were infected with the coronavirus by March 27. That number quickly climbed to 240 workers by April 2, according to Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, but 11 of those workers have recovered and returned to work.
In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 amongst sanitation workers and the public, DSNY is enhancing its hygiene, cleaning, social distancing and safety procedures. It’s also adjusting its operational procedures to help avoid traffic and crowds.
SILive.com has more information:
At least one worker has tested positive for the coronavirus at each of the three city Department of Sanitation garages on Staten Island and a total of 120 employees are infected in New York City, the agency has announced.
Delays in collection are possible due to coronavirus precautions, according to a statement from the department.
“With increased testing, there has been an increase in confirmed cases across the city, including within our department,” the statement said. “As of 10 a.m. this morning [Friday], 120 employees have tested positive.”
PIX11 has more details:
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact New York City and the rest of the world, sanitation workers are on the front lines of the outbreak.
Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia told the PIX11 Morning News she is proud of how the department's employees.
“They’ve been really amazing,” she said.