AAR launches COVID-19 webpage; CP to hold annual meeting online

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) yesterday introduced a webpage that offers guidance to railroads and rail workers on managing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since January, railroads and their chief medical officers have been updating and adapting their pandemic response plans that previously addressed other health events, including the H1N1 outbreak, AAR officials said in a newsletter.

Specifically, the railroads and their CMOs have been addressing the need to contain, mitigate and respond to the coronavirus outbreak in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's most recent recommendations, they said.

"The industry holds daily calls among cross-functional teams to share information and best practices to keep their railroad employees and their families — as well as the larger community — safe," the newsletter stated.

In addition, railroads are in constant communication with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, the White House and state and local officials on evolving public health developments, AAR officials said.

The webpage, which includes a "Railroads and COVID-19 Fact Sheet," may be viewed here.

Meanwhile, Canadian Pacific announced yesterday that its annual shareholders meeting will be held April 21 via webcast. Although shareholders will not be able to attend in person, they will be able to participate in the online meeting, including voting on business and submitting questions, CP officials said in a press release.