Taxi Driver Online

'Not taking extra precautions' – Darlington taxi driver on coronavirus

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/ ... ronavirus/

TAXI drivers pick up and drop off many passengers throughout the day, sitting in close proximity for extended periods of time, but in Darlington yesterday, cabbies said they were not concerned about the coronavirus.

Lucas Sienmeinkienwics, whose taxi was at the front of the rank outside Darlington Market, said: “If it’s something that happens then it happens. I’m not taking extra precautions.”

A 30-year-old driver, who did not want to be named, had just started his shift. He said: “It’s just life. If it comes it comes, you can’t prepare for it. I’m still accepting cash. It doesn’t come up as conversation with passengers at the moment but that might change.

“I’ve just come out to be honest so haven’t had any trips yet. Isolation would be detrimental. If we get it and have to do that, then kids won’t get to school or anything – we have a contract with Darlington Council to take children to school.”

When asked if he was taking additional precautions such as asking people to wipe hands before getting in the car, he said “it hasn’t got that far for me”.

Driver Elroy McArthur, 69, who is self employed, said: “What can we do? We are helpless. If I was to isolate, I would not have any money. We can’t wear a mask. I think we will all get it and have to deal with it. I am worried just the same as what I was before the case in Darlington.



“My wife worries about me catching it but I’ll be fine.”

Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Housing, said: “As well as the general advice about good hygiene and handwashing, we would encourage taxi drivers to pay particular attention to the cleaning of their vehicle throughout the shift and think about the surfaces that passengers will come into contact with.

“The drivers themselves should aim to wash their hands regularly, particularly when they finish their shift or when they go on breaks.”

Bet the likes of call centre workers love it when this guy phones in and has to give his name


Think that just about sums up my own approach just now. Washing my hands more frequently and more thoroughly than normal, but not really practical to do it often. And zero chance of getting hold of hand sanitiser, and to be honest haven't even bothered looking too much. Got some anti-bacterial handwipes that I'd bought before it all kicked off, but if I start using them regularly they'll disappear after a few shifts. Think I'll keep them until things start getting worse, assuming it ever happens (Not sure if they'd be that effective anyway, since it's not a bacterial infection, although hand washing seems to be quite effective, so I'm assuming handwipes would be better than nothing.)


Yes, I'm sure the council and health authorities would be cock-a-hoop if he knew he was infected yet was still doing the school runs

and football refs back in the mid 70's our local team had 4 players with polish surnames playing and in one game the ref was struggling to book one of them. he then went to book the team captain who was Dick Smith when he asked his name the answer was S-M-I-T-H this was followed by a red card for dissent

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I don't think I've done a job in the last three weeks where coronavirus hasn't been discussed.

Does this fella live in a cave?

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IDFIMH

yes I was thinking that here in lincolnshire we have still only had 1 case (Spalding) but reading between the lines of yesterdays government announcement we are all going to be allowed to catch it in order to build up immunity in the population

It sounds like government policy is to control the spread so that the NHS can cope rather than try and contain or prevent it

We were supposed to doing a Heathrow pick up this afternoon but passengers have not been allowed to fly and I have a party of 6 due to go to LHR to fly out to Sri lanka to watch cricket but they are still waiting for the home office advise as to whether they can go or not

Personally i think this disease has taken hold so travel restrictions are becoming increasingly meaningless. It should be down to individuals to choose whether or not to travel based on information to hand

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

The plan is to let those under 70 catch it, whilst protecting those over 70 once they have it.

If the UK did an Eire now, then the boffins say there will be another peak come next winter.

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IDFIMH