No mask, no taxi

Amidst the second wave of COVID-19 in the country, taxi associations warned that the public needs to be more vigilant than before. A taxi driver, owner or operator may not allow any commuter not wearing a mask to get into any form of public transport. Some commuters and operators have become complacent with the regulations, allowing all manner of contravention.

This has raised serious concerns within taxi associations, as it puts both commuters and drivers in danger of getting exposed to COVID-19. “We have lost some of our members to this virus and we have heard many other families out there losing loved ones. This should be a wake-up call to all of us. This second wave of the virus is dangerous and it is killing people daily. The passengers need to understand they cannot wear a mask while outside the taxi and then take it off when they get in. It is very important that they all follow the regulations all the time. The members of the association can work in unity with the public to fight this. We have WhatsApp groups on which we communicate and share information regarding regulations. We also talk about challenges the taxi operators face while transporting people.” one of the associations stated.

According to the Department of Transport’s COVID-19 regulations, a mask can be a cloth face mask, a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers both the mouth and nose.