Amid the panic of COVID-19, millions of Americans have filed for unemployment as government regulations continue to pressure the nation to stay at home. Excluded from these people are the “essential workers” such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, first responders, etc., and a commonly forgotten but essential: sanitation workers.
“People don’t realize the importance of a job like mine. Don’t get me wrong – I’m no doctor, but without people like me, there would be rats running in the streets, even in the most expensive neighborhoods,” said Angelo Dimatteo, a sanitation worker for the Town of Hempstead. As news quickly spread about closures and cancelations, people across Long Island braced for impact as jobs began laying off employees. Being an essential entity, sanitation workers have been cleared to work normally throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and are expected to continue to work with minimal changes in their normal routines.
The mornings start off routine. Get to the yard where the trucks are and start the route. The difference is though, that more and more employees continue to call out as the pandemic continues to grow. “Going to work now is eerie. The roads are empty, but there’s still plenty of people around,” said DiMatteo. “It bothers me when I’m driving the truck and I see people out walking their dogs or talking in a group. These people don’t realize they’re putting themselves at risk.” As the days in quarantine continue to pass, essential workers continue to face the brunt of the virus, even if that means putting their own health last.
Photo Courtesy of Angelo Dimatteo
“I know of at least twenty-five guys that have tested positive,” said Danny Dimatteo, a sanitation worker for the Town of Hempstead. “I worked last week with someone who tested positive on Monday. I sat next to him in the truck,” he said.
As the virus continues to spread, sanitation workers are seeing a rise in the amount of garbage put out to the curb. “People are using this time to start their spring cleaning. They’re throwing out everything. It’s like after any major holiday; bags are spilling out of cans onto the street. It’s a lot.” said Angelo. “A lot of people are tossing clothes and furniture,” Danny commented.
In an effort to minimize the spread while at work, Angelo explained that his routine was “crazy.” Dressed in his working gear, Angelo duct-taped latex gloves at his wrists, and wore an N95 mask around his face. “Once I get home, I take everything off in the garage and go straight to the shower. I ride next to people in the truck, so I need to make sure I don’t bring anything home.”
(Full Disclosure: Luca Dimatteo is the son of Angelo Dimatteo and the older brother of Danny Dimatteo.)
