The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in stay at home, or shelter in place, orders for many states. This means that residents have been instructed to leave their homes only for essential outings. These orders have been implemented in order to help “flatten the curve” of coronavirus infections and keep disease spread to a minimum.
For many disabled drivers, leaving the house for some things is still going to be necessary. If you’re wondering what these restrictions mean in the course of your everyday life, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and how far you can travel.
How Far Can A Disabled Driver Travel During COV19 Lockdown?
During coronavirus lockdown, many states and local municipalities have implemented their own regulations and rules surrounding travel. The best course of action is to check local resources for any restrictions for travel that may be in place.
There has been no restriction of travel between states to date, and many places allow people to be out and about for essential activities. You can go to your doctor’s appointments if needed, and get food and medical supplies without restriction.
States are beginning to open back up and allow more travel under federal and local guidelines. If you’re planning a trip, the best thing you can do is check the rules of your location as well as the place you plan to travel to in order to understand the limits that may be implemented. It’s also important to check whether or not your disabled parking permit is honored in the place you’re traveling to.
Can I Drive During The Coronavirus Lockdown?
So can you go for a drive during the coronavirus lockdown, even if you aren’t going anywhere “essential”? As mentioned, rules and regulations vary by state when it comes to lockdown measures. In general, you can drive during the lockdown. Disabled drivers may need to consider a few extra things when driving, such as:
- Whether handicapped parking is available where you want to travel to.
- Whether you are in a COVID-19 high-risk group, which may be likely if you have a disabled parking permit due to illness
Some states, such as Texas and Rhode Island, have implemented travel restrictions. You may be stopped at the border to be reminded of any quarantine requirements.
Locally, some places such as Newark, New Jersey, have implemented restrictions within their local borders. If authorities suspect you’re participating in nonessential travel, then they may not allow you to pass through.
Some communities, such as the Outer Banks in North Carolina, closed bridges and instituted roadblocks manned by police in order to prevent renters from traveling to the area.
The point is that, in the age of coronavirus, research needs to be done if you plan to drive anywhere outside of your local jurisdiction.
What Precautions Should I Take While Traveling During The Coronavirus Disease Outbreak?
If you’re planning to travel during COVID-19 lockdown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest you take the following precautions:
- Avoid interactions with other people who displaying symptoms or who have been sick.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes with hands that are unwashed.
- Wash your hands often (particularly after using the restroom; after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose; and before you eat) for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap.
- Use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based if soap and water are unavailable.
- Avoid travel if you are feeling unwell.
- Practice social distancing, staying at least six feet away from others in social settings.
- Check rules about wearing a mask where you’re traveling to – a mask is required in some places.
If you believe you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, consult with your health care provider. You may be directed to self-quarantine until you know if you have been infected or not.
Special Considerations For Disabled Drivers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have some suggestions for those with disabilities during the pandemic. They suggest that you:
- Have a plan when you travel, especially if you have a support person you often travel with, in the event that someone gets sick.
- Have a list of friends, neighbors, local service agencies, and family you can reach out to for support if you don’t feel comfortable traveling.
- Have enough items at home to ensure you’ll be comfortable for a few weeks and make sure you have an ample supply of any medications you may need.
Driving during the COVID-19 pandemic can be complicated for anyone, and may be even more so for a disabled driver. Plan ahead to figure out what you may be dealing with at your destination and to determine locations where you may not be able to travel.
Featured image by takahiro taguchi on Unsplash