With the ever increasing reports of confirmed cases of Corona Virus (Corvid 19) from around the UK, it’s important that professional drivers take their own health into consideration during this period.
Airport transfers are one of the most common journeys made within the chauffeur and private hire industry, thousands of passengers are being transported daily from the UK’s airports – so how do you make sure you keep away from any infected people and avoid the virus yourself?
The Prime Minister said today that we should prepare ourselves for a significant rise in reported cases of Corona Virus, however, a large percentage of sufferers will recover, but the elderly and vulnerable will be at the highest risk. But, how does a driver who shares a car with several passengers a day protect themselves when exposure is considered as ‘within six feet’ of someone?
It’s important not to over-react to these reports as it’s not currently a great risk to UK citizens at this stage. Here’s some top tips to keep you and indeed your passengers safe and reduce the risk of the infection entering your vehicle…
Get to know the symptoms
Before we all get carried away and lock ourselves away as soon as someone coughs in our direction, it’s important to learn what the Corona Virus actually does and how to recognise someone suffering with it. The NHS says the symptoms are much like that of a common cold, but more flu like. These include a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath – but having any of these does not necessarily mean anyone actually has the illness.
Personal and vehicle cleanliness
Personal hygiene is essential at these times to reduce the risk of passing the infection on. If you have a high turnover of passengers, then it would help to use an alcohol cleaner on door handles and arm rests and course in your own area, such as the steering wheel and gear selector. Always sneeze into your elbow and avoid shaking hands with clients – an effective measure to stop the spread of the illness. Wash your hands as much as possible throughout the day and it goes without saying – if you show any signs of the illness, do not carry out your duties as a driver!
Communication with passengers
Most of the work in this industry is pre-booked, so communication with your clients should be easy. Make a prominent notice in your electronic communications and SMS messages telling clients not to travel if they have symptoms, or notify the company/driver as soon as possible. Perhaps refer to your T&Cs regarding cancellation terms etc.
Don’t take risks
Encourage all your staff to look out for any symptoms and report them if they see any. Remember, you have the right to cancel any trip at any time, so don’t take any risks when transporting clients. It sounds dramatic, but if you have a client giving no consideration to others then you have to educate them to look after yourself.
The NHS advises NOT to walk into any hospital or surgery if you are having any symptoms – so make it known to customers that 111 can be used in this scenario. Possibly have an information sheet available to them with symptoms and what to do – just in case.
As mentioned before, we’re not at the stage of making dramatic changes to our lives, but with common sense and some simple steps, we can all make some small changes in the attempt of containing the virus.
For full information from the NHS on the Corona Virus, click here.
