DHS national guidance: pharma distribution/logistics staff are ‘critical infrastructure workers’ during Covid-19 crisis

A group with the Dept. of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance on March 19 for who, in the US economy, is an “essential critical infrastructure worker” and should therefore continue reporting to work while many nonessential businesses are shutting down. The issue might become vital as states or regions institute “shelter in place” restrictions on movement, such as has been done in California, or New York City.

As one would expect, the list references all types of healthcare workers, those in the energy or telecommunications industry, and more. But it also specifically cites:

Manufacturers, technicians, logistics and warehouse operators, and distributors of medical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical gases, pharmaceuticals, blood and blood products, vaccines, testing materials, laboratory supplies, cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting or sterilization supplies, and tissue and paper towel products.

CISA is issuing the guidance merely as advisory, and it is directed primarily to state and local authorities as they make their own policies. On a grim note, the list also includes mortuary and cemetery workers.

The URL for the list is: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf