RVers Doing Their Part In So Cal To Help Fight Covid-19

Words by Josh Davidson. Tiny Home Writer | TinyLivingLife.com

There’s no denying that we’re living through a very unique time in history where we face unprecedented changes and challenges. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re all rallying around one another and contributing what we can to make the situation as bearable as it can be for everyone. Whether that’s sheltering in place, self-isolating, washing our hands and disinfecting surfaces to slow the spread. There is something that each of us can do to play our part. 

At the forefront of the pandemic are health workers and other essential personnel who are putting themselves and their families at risk to help maintain some semblance of normalcy during this difficult time. However, the Covid-19 pandemic is also affecting the economy, with vast numbers of businesses closing, people losing their jobs and unemployment numbers rising. 

The travel and leisure industry has been hit the hardest by this pandemic, particularly RV and camper companies that survive on a seasonal business model and the patronage of nomads both local and international. 

So, it’s quite refreshing to see RVers who are turning this situation around by contributing to the fight against Covid-19.

Providing Safe Spaces

A couple of RV and camper companies in Southern California are providing RV campers as a form of safe accommodation for medical staff that require a safe space to stay in between shifts while protecting their families from potential contamination. 

These RVs are known as “social distancing accommodations” and offer a safe and comfortable space for medical personnel to rest and recuperate without worrying about potentially spreading the virus to their loved ones. 

It’s interesting to note that at the onset of this pandemic, recreational vehicle and camping companies were considered non-essential businesses and had to shut down after the initial restrictions were announced. However, the authorities have since re-evaluated their position on RVs and campers because unlike other modes of long-haul travel, they come built-in with restrooms to freshen up and makeshift beds to sleep on. This makes them an ideal mode of transport for emergency travel because they help to minimize contact with anyone else on the road. 

A Change of Pace 

Another way that RV companies are pivoting their business model is by providing a safe mode of transport for essential and urgent travelers. Instead of catering to local and international travelers during the spring break and summer seasons, RV companies are now helping college students, elderly relatives, and former remote workers to return home safely. Thanks to the all-inclusive nature of RVs and campers, these and other travelers are able to enjoy safe passage home while minimizing the spread of the virus. 

This is in addition to supporting medical centers and government entities that require clean and relatively comfortable accommodations for essential staff. 

For example, the Mayo Clinic medical center has hired an RV for use as temporary accommodation for medical staff conducting drive-through coronavirus testing. Utility companies are also renting RVs and campers to provide comfortable temporary accommodation for essential staff while helping to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Aside from essential staff, a lot of RV companies are leasing their vehicles out to one-way travelers who want to go home without going through the airports. For a fraction of the price of a plane ticket, customers get a bed to sleep in, restrooms, and in some cases even electrical plugs for mobile devices, etc. 

There is also demand from people who want to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus, in order to protect their family members. These RVs are typically parked outside the customer’s house so they can stay close to their loved ones without putting them at risk. All told, camper vans and RVs are a great way to safely travel for essential purposes without going through high-density areas like airports and stations. 

Closing thoughts…

We are all in this together fighting a nearly invisible enemy. It’s lifegiving to see the innovation and selflessness humans can conjure up in the face of such strong adversity. RVers doing their part in Southern California is just one of many stories of people rising to the occasion to help fellow mankind. In the end, we may look back on this time as proof that when we need it most, we can count on each other to be there, and that’s priceless.