If you are a taxi driver then we thought you may find the following information useful in relation to the coronavirus. It is worth noting that taxi drivers can continue to provide their service as normal but the government has introduced certain additional measures that taxi drivers must comply with. Full details can be found on the gov.uk website.
- If you have been told to self-isolate or have symptoms of coronavirus you should not go to work. If you have symptoms, get a test and remain at home until you receive the result.
- Passengers in Hull taxis should be reminded to conform to social distancing measures. This is to help reduce the spread of the virus.
- A risk assessment must be undertaken by self employed taxi drivers with a view to understanding what you need to do to protect your passengers and yourself.
- Prior to a passenger getting in your taxi you should ask them if they currently have any symptoms of coronavirus such as loss of taste or smell, a new cough or a fever. You should also ask them if in the last 10 days they have had a tested positive for coronavirus. If they have then you must inform the passenger that you will be unable to take them in your taxi.
- If you happen to come into contact with a passenger or their luggage then you must sanitise or wash your hands before and after contact.
- Whilst socially distancing, you should show your face to your passenger. This will show that you are the driver.
- Passengers whilst in your taxi have to wear a face covering unless they are exempt. You are allowed to refuse taking a passenger who is not wearing a face covering unless he or she is exempt from doing so. A taxi driver does not need to wear a face covering unless requested to do so by the operator or licensing authority but it is advisable to do so.
- Passengers should try to sit a reasonable distance from each other in the taxi.
- The taxi’s windows and air vents should be opened whilst a passenger is being carried.
- Wherever possible, take a card payment.
- Remind a passenger that they should wash their hands or use a hand sanitiser at the end of the journey.
- Between journeys you should clean the areas of your taxi that have been in contact with the passengers i.e. seats and door handles. You should wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds or use a sanitiser. You should ventilate your taxi for at least 5 minutes by opening doors/windows.
We hope that the above information is of use to taxi drivers and helps you and your passengers avoid getting coronavirus.