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Coronavirus

Are taxis safe during the pandemic?

(12 Posts)
Chestnut Mon 01-Feb-21 15:56:52

I don't think there are any black cabs where I live, it's all local companies. I agree cabs would be best, anything that separates you from the driver. I suppose taxis are a risk and probably better avoided until later if possible.

wildswan16 Mon 01-Feb-21 15:39:58

I have needed to use a taxi a couple of times recently to get to hospital appointments.

I always choose "proper" taxis - black cab type. That way there is a screen between me and the driver. The drivers arrived wearing a mask and their website says they wipe down between passengers (although I don't particularly believe that bit).

I get in, disinfect my hands, sit still, pay contactless, get out, disinfect my hands again and hope for the best.

Esspee Mon 01-Feb-21 14:25:41

Chestnut. Why not wait until a few weeks after your first vaccination. It won’t stop you getting the virus but hopefully your immune system will be better able to handle it.

Chestnut Mon 01-Feb-21 14:18:59

I agree the taxi drivers are in such close contact with their passengers in a confined space and it's all the time. They really need protection and so do their passengers.

Jane10 Mon 01-Feb-21 13:08:13

I think we'll have to use taxis if we ever get an appointment for the jab. The conference centre where its located is in a very busy centre of town. We'll use black cabs so shouldn't be too near the driver. I do feel so sorry for taxi drivers. They've been overlooked for so long and the owner drivers have huge debts for their vehicles.

TrendyNannie6 Mon 01-Feb-21 12:41:59

I’ve used taxis a few times and buses and I’m vulnerable, sit in back windows open, mask on, driver masked up. Three times going to hospital appointments, is it safe? Who knows! But I wasn’t willing to forfeit two scans and blood tests

BlueSky Mon 01-Feb-21 12:39:57

I would prefer a bus as I could distance more, as I live in a semi rural area, the buses are practically empty.

EllanVannin Mon 01-Feb-21 12:34:52

People aren't going to be truthful in the workplace either, are they, especially when they can't afford not to work ? Trust nobody while this virus is around.

EllanVannin Mon 01-Feb-21 12:32:52

Safe to a point but I have heard of those who've boarded a taxi who've had positive Covid tests. Nobody would know, would they if they themselves don't have symptoms ?

MissAdventure Mon 01-Feb-21 12:27:58

I've used taxis to get to work, up to 3 times a week since the start of the pandemic, and have been fine.

You can pay using a card, and some drivers have a sheet of perspex up between front and back seats.

So, is it safe? I don't know. smile

cornishpatsy Mon 01-Feb-21 12:04:15

I had to use a taxi when my car broke down. You are correct, back seat and mask. It also had the windows open which was freezing but safer for the driver who has many people in the car through out a shift.

I felt safer than on a bus although it probably is the same.

Chestnut Mon 01-Feb-21 11:59:17

I don't have a car and may need to start using taxis now and then. But I'm a bit nervous about being in such close contact with the driver and also having had many different people using the taxi before me. I assume I would sit in the back and we both wear masks, but are taxi firms taking any other precautions? I looked on the taxi website and it says nothing about coronavirus!