COVID-19 Vaccinations as a Key to Sustaining the Supply Chain

With the continued presence of COVID-19, ports in Southern California are observing an uptick in transported goods. In this week leading into February, the Port of Long beach is reporting an estimate of 97,200 loaded imports. This reliance on imported goods emphasizes the importance of the smooth operation of freight transportation. Specifically, dockworkers are a keystone in maintaining the effective volume in which these goods are being processed.

The surge of COVID-19 cases among dockworkers has become especially concerning. As of Jan. 17, 694 dockworkers have become infected (Roosevelt). This number, when paired with the fact that there are a total of 15,000 available dockworkers in Southern California, indicates a 5% infection percentage within a week (Roosevelt). The supply-chain is in danger of slowing down if these ports suspend activities due to infected workers. The biggest question, then, is how to sustain the supply chain and keep control of the number of COVID-19 infections.

For port executives and union leaders, the best response would be to start immediate vaccination of dockworkers. Currently, vaccinations are being limited to a specific sector of essential workers; medical professionals, nursing facility workers, and emergency responders. The vaccination of individuals in this Tier 1 category of COVID-19 vaccinations has been rather effective, many already receiving their 2nd dose. The primary concern is not the efficacy of vaccinating all workers at transportation facilities, but rather convincing California Governor Gavin Newsom and California Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, to include these workers in the next round of vaccinations. Elected officials like member of Congress, Rep. Alan Lowenthal, are pushing for quicker action. Hopefully, Gov. Newsom and Dr. Ghaly will respond accordingly and move to vaccinate.

Works Cited:

Roosevelt, Margot. “COVID-19 Surge Could Shut Down Major California Ports.” Governing, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2021, www.governing.com/work/COVID-19-Surge-Could-Shut-Down-Major-California-Ports.html.