Didn't mean to repeat 'HC/HCD' in the thread title, but 'drivers' didn't fit
But in fact it's certainly worth emphasising *HC*, because if I'm reading this correctly then the offer of a free test doesn't apply to PHVs, although the typically vague use of the word 'taxi' means it's not 100% clear.
Stoke-on-Trent taxi drivers urged to get regular coronavirus tests
https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/st ... ed-5300383
Eight private hire firms have already committed to regular testing
Stoke-on-Trent's taxi drivers are being urged to get twice-weekly rapid coronavirus tests.
Eight private hire firms have already backed Stoke-on-Trent City Council's plea for drivers to have two lateral flow tests each week.
The tests can give a positive or negative reading in around 30 minutes.
Now the city council is turning its attention to the Hackney Carriages as it tries to stamp the virus out of the area.
As a thank you for undertaking regular testing, taxi drivers will be offered a free licensed vehicle MOT at the council’s Cromer Road site in Northwood if they are able to prove they have undertaken 10 lateral flow tests.
Shane Scragg, transport manager of Scraggs Coaches which has signed-up to the council’s testing programme, said: “We signed-up to protect our workforce, family members and the children we collect daily from our school runs.
"We are doing our part to stop the spread of coronavirus and to ensure anyone who is exposed or tested positive takes the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety.”
City council leader Abi Brown says taxi drivers have been playing a vital part during the pandemic.
She added: "For peace of mind drivers should be getting tested regularly, just by the nature of their job they are in close contact with more people from outside their households or bubbles.
"Many taxi drivers have provided a vital service to residents during the pandemic, providing transport to key workers and transporting residents to hospital appointments and vaccination centres.”
Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, director of adult social care, health integration and wellbeing, said: “We have worked hard to make testing accessible to all; there is no excuse whatever your job role may be to not get tested.
"Even if a driver has had the vaccine, they should still be getting tested regularly. The vaccine does not stop you spreading the virus onto others.”
