COVID Carpool Protocols

Businesses across the US are beginning to reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drag out into the indiscernible future. Making the best of a bad situation, essential employees will need a way to get to work, and we wanted to lend a hand in keeping commuters safe as they make the journey to work. Below, I’ve distilled some of the CDC’s guidance for employees who must carpool to do so as safely as possible.

• Limit the number of passengers as much as possible.
• Hand hygiene is essential: before entering the vehicle and when arriving at the destination.
• Ensure that supplies like hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol) & tissues are available.
• Consider conducting daily health checks (temperature screening and/or symptom checking), preferably before driver and passenger meet up.
• Encourage employees in a shared van or car space to wear cloth masks.
• Encourage employees to follow coughing and sneezing etiquette when in the vehicle.
• Try to maintain social distancing as much as possible: Maximize the space between occupants – Ideally, the passenger and driver should sit in diagonal seats [Driver in the front left, passenger in the right rear]
• Increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible – Crack open car windows when safe to allow for a constant supply of fresh air.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces after each c trip (door handles, handrails, seat belt buckles).

Transit has been the primary transportation-victim of Coronavirus, and for many Atlantans, public transport was their lifeline – their only reliable ride from A to B. If you find yourself in that situation, Livable Buckhead has resources for finding a carpool match, as well as financial incentives for those who take it.