COVID vaccine distribution is now underway, as cases of the Coronavirus continue to rise across the country. As the vaccine becomes available to more people, we encourage you to get vaccinated. Presently there are 24 million people infected with the virus and over 400,000 have died.

TEXAS

Texas' vaccine distribution plan remains in Phase 1. This means Texas frontline/health care workers (Phase 1A) and older citizens as well as those with health risks (Phase 1B) will remain the priority for vaccinations for now.

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Tyle 2 diabetes mellitus

GEORGIA

The Georgia Department of Public Health is currently administering the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1A, which includes:

• Health care workers (physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, EMS personnel, environmental services, etc.)
• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
• Adults aged 65 and older and their caregivers
• Law enforcement, firefighters, first responders

Vaccine supply is very limited. Public health departments are scheduling vaccines by appointment only, as are most other providers. Depending on vaccine supply allocations from the federal government, it may be weeks before additional providers will have vaccines available for quicker and more widespread distribution.

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS

Information regarding vaccine distribution is also available for Shippers Group facilities in these states:

• Virginia
• Florida
• Illinois
• California

As cases surge, we are also seeing an uptick in cases within our facilities. To ensure the safety of our associates, we continue to follow CDC guidelines, mandate face coverings, and preach hand washing, social distancing, and sanitization. Please do not come to work if you have symptoms of Coronavirus. We also continue to follow updated protocols and frequently communicate them with our associates during shift meetings on all internal communications platforms, as well as publicly on our Coronavirus Resource page.

 

 

Taking Action

This is the latest list of actions we are taking to ensure communication to all stakeholders:

• President Rob Doyle continues his bi-weekly video address to associates.
• Summary of new protocols:
  • Testing: A negative test is required to return to work if an individual self-quarantines or is part of a Track and Trace.
    • The CDC suggests the median time of 4-5 days from exposure for symptoms to onset (11/3/2020), therefore we encourage and remind individuals to not test until a minimum of 4 days off from work. This is still the associates' decision, and although this action is not required, it is highly recommended.
    • A return to work should take place no earlier than 7 working days from the last day worked with a negative test.
    • Results must be returned no later than 10 days after the last day worked.
  • Age: Those over the age of 60 are allowed to self-quarantine without testing on a case-by-case basis. Notify Diane for review.
  • Exposure: If someone has had direct contact with someone who has tested positive, they must self-quarantine and be tested (see testing section above).
  • Testing Centers: TSG will make it a priority to provide detailed information regarding testing locations near the office/facility.
  • Important reminders:
    
    • If you do not feel well, STAY HOME. Call your manager and let them know you are experiencing signs of COVID-19
    • Remember to SOCIAL DISTANCE yourself from other workers. Notify management if you feel this is not occurring at your site.
    • Wear your protective MASK, SCARF, or BANDANA always. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose. Masks are required at all TSG sites.
    • Wash your hands and sanitize several times a day, especially after touching hard surfaces.
    • Disinfect your work areas. If you need supplies to clean your equipment, desk, or any other surface, let management know immediately!
  • Sites are maintaining the proper level of PPE to ensure replenishment of items given ongoing shortages and lead times for some PPE.
  • Managers are stressing that associates stay hydrated, which is a key to a healthy immune system. Associates are allowed water in a clear bottle on the warehouse floor to aid in maintaining proper hydration. 
  • Practice getting plenty of rest, exercise, and good nutrition.

Stay tuned to what is happening in your state as COVID vaccine distribution continues to roll out. When the vaccine is available to you, please get vaccinated.

We are #3PLStrong. We are essential. We are TSG. View COVID-19 Resources

Americans are weary of the virus, but now is not the time to let down your guard. With vaccine distribution underway, we have reason to be optimistic in 2021 that we are only a short time away from getting the spread of Coronavirus under control. Until that time, please remain steadfast to take the appropriate precautions.    

If you have any questions about our COVID-19 response efforts, please contact Diane Villafana, VP of Human Resources and Safety Compliance.