How to proceed with this new Covid-19 phenomenon in passenger transport?

The truth is that taxi drivers and passengers as well as Private Chauffeurs or drivers on the TVDE platforms are more prone to the coronavirus, as they contact several people. The disease can be transmitted in several ways, however, the most common occurs through coughing or sneezing. Being in a car with space limitations can facilitate contagion.

But there are other forms of transmission:

1. closer physical contact between driver or passenger, talking without respecting the recommended 1.5m distance. This is not to say that it is necessary to be antisocial, on the contrary, just take all the care that is within our reach, such as respecting the respiratory etiquette, always maintaining the recommended distance, not touching the nose, mouth and eyes and whenever possible wash your hands and / or always have a hand sanitizer with you.

2. Another common form of contagion is to touch or handle contaminated objects and surfaces.

The use of masks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is only indicated when the patient is already infected to prevent the spread of the virus.

The indiscriminate use of the mask wipes out product stocks for those who really need it, in addition to creating a false sense of security and increased panic. In France, for example, President Emmanuel Macron decreed that masks should be sold only with a prescription and established the price of safety equipment, as well as alcohol and disinfectant gel, which increased by up to 700%. In our country, a box of 50 masks, in any pharmacy, could cost up to € 500 a few days ago.

On the other hand, it is no coincidence that experts have recommended that people avoid public transport in order to avoid large crowds. Getting around by taxi or with your Private Chauffeur is safer, it does not reduce the risk, hence the importance of maintaining disinfestation processes.

How to prevent?

The driver must pass disinfectant to clean the contact areas, such as: steering wheel, gear lever, buttons, handles and other elements. 70% alcohol on a soft cloth can also be a solution.
Since the seats of our vehicles are made of leather, cleaning becomes easier. The procedure involves spraying the seats with disinfectants at the beginning of each shift, the passengers' place whenever they are transported and at the end of the shift. Only the disinfectant and a microfiber cloth will be needed for each cleaning procedure.

Air filter and wipes

What about air conditioning? Turning on the air at maximum and closing the ventilation to please passengers is not recommended. The circulation must always be open. The ideal is to travel with the windows open. Wind, noise and even heat can be uncomfortable, but it is certainly not as uncomfortable or dangerous as being infected by the coronavirus.
These precautions are useless if the air conditioning filter is compromised. If so, the system can contribute to the development of the virus, in addition to fungi and bacteria.
There is another care that both drivers and passengers can take: wipes with alcohol in their composition. We must not forget that prevention is the best way out, it is the right way and not simple panic.
We must also be very careful with garbage and other objects left by passengers. Our drivers will be provided with disposable bags and dispose of them as soon as possible.
Of course, it is useless to do all these steps and forget to wash or pass the alcohol in our own hands.
We are attentive and concerned but aware of the procedures we have to take to continue providing comfortable trips, but above all, in maximum safety.