Keeping drivers and passengers protected against COVID-19

DPI, Guyana, Monday March 30, 2020

Even as social distancing is being practised, chances are many of us still have to take a taxi, either to work or to run errands, so here is what drivers can do to protect themselves and their passengers against COVID-19.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away (trash bin), and wash your hands.

Ask passengers to sit in the back to create physical distance. Avoid handling money, if possible. Consider wearing disposable gloves if you must collect money from customers. (Change gloves as often as you can).

Drivers can also disinfect cars regularly, especially after dropping off passengers who appeared to be sick. Ensure to pay close attention to surfaces that were touched often by passengers.

Have tissues and hand sanitizers available for your passengers and print and post information for passengers in your back seat.

Meanwhile, passengers should ensure they sanitize before entering the taxi, observe social distancing by sitting in the back of the taxi. Avoid touching surfaces as well as eyes, nose, mouth. Sanitise your hands after exiting the taxi.