As the number of COVID-19 deaths in Johnson County increased to a total of nine Monday, truckers are sounding the alarm that the the nation’s supply chain could be in jeopardy if the government doesn’t help protect them.
Truckers say that every day, they are hauling needed goods into COVID-19 hot spots with no protective equipment, testing capabilities or ways to self-quarantine or seek treatment if they become sick.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association sent a letter Friday to President Donald Trump on Friday saying: “HELP — MAYDAY — 9-1-1.”
“Right now professional drivers are busting their butts to care for the nation,” said the letter, signed by Todd Spencer, president and CEO of the Grain Valley-based organization. “Their hard work and personal sacrifice should not include their health or even their lives if at all possible or preventable.”
If drivers start testing positive, there could be a tremendous reduction in drivers willing to risk everything, Spencer said.