Working Through COVID-19

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As we progress through this time together, please know that I am following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and local mandates when I go to the river to collect trash.

As of March 30, 2020, the Governor of Virginia signed an Executive Order mandating residents stay at home except as provided by nine exceptions, paraphrased here: 

1. Obtain food, etc.
2. Seeking medical attention, social services, law enforcement, emergencies.
3. Caring for other individuals, animals, family.
4. Travel required by court order, i.e. child custody, visitation.
5. Outdoor activity or exercise, providing  individuals comply with social distancing requirements.
6. Travel to and from residence, place of worship, work, 
7. Travel to and from educational institution.
8. Working with charitable organizations and services.
9. Leaving residence for fear of health or safety.

Among those nine exceptions, my work as SUP Garbage Man is covered by three:  5. Outdoor exercise, 6. Travel to and from work, and 8. Working with a charitable organization. Paddle boarding is essentially exercise and since I’ve legally incorporated SUP Garbage Man as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I'm covered by both the work and charitable organization exceptions. 

Regarding the social distancing requirements, I've got that in the bag! I primarily work solo during my clean-ups and I typically go at sunrise (I'll explain more about those decisions in a future post)...there are so few people around that early, that I'm usually the first to any launch point I go to.  In fact, the picture on this page is of the parking lot AFTER a Tuesday sunrise session....desolate indeed.

All of that being said, should the mandates become more restrictive and prevent my work, I will most definitely pause my operations. Until then, please trust that I’m staying safe while collecting trash and cleaning up our planet. I should also note that I do take great care to sanitize my hands upon getting off the water and completion of loading up my truck.  The water quality of the Potomac River isn't the greatest so I've always made sure to sanitize my hands and equipment following a session. 

Stay safe, follow current guidelines for your area. Please wash your hands and don’t touch your face.

 
- Joe