Due to the severe COVID-19 epidemic, some confirmed patients have remained at home for several days and have not been admitted to hospital for treatment or isolation. The Hong Kong government plans to set up an exclusive taxi fleet to take mildly ill COVID-19 patients to designated clinics exempted by the Hospital Authority.
Wu Kuncheng, the permanent president of the Taxi Drivers Association, said in the TV program "Millennium" that there are currently 200 taxis participating in the plan, and it is estimated that it will start on Friday (18th) and operate from 8 to 6.
He explained that due to the many preparations required for the vehicle, including the driver's use of masks, face shields, gloves and protective clothing, it is expected that the supplies will be in place in the next few days.
The anti-epidemic taxi body will be affixed with a sticker that says "reservation required for anti-epidemic use".
(Provided by Taxi Drivers Association)
In addition, the exclusive taxis will also be identified at the conspicuous places, and only take patients to designated clinics. It is emphasized that no other people will be picked up during the period, and they will only "start work" at the relevant time.
It has been pointed out that there will be plastic partitions between drivers and passengers of anti-epidemic taxis. Wu said that due to hasty plans and logistics problems, it may not be possible to provide them, but passengers will be required to sit in the back seat and the compartment will be opened. Windows for air circulation.
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In addition, when asked if he would wait for the same patient to return after picking up the patient to the designated clinic, Wu said that the specific situation will be allocated through the Hospital Authority.
In addition, patients who need to use the service can make an appointment for the service through the online platform or hotline.
When asked whether drivers would have additional income for driving anti-epidemic taxis, Wu said that under the severe epidemic, citizens have reduced going out at night, and many people are working from home during the day. Taxi drivers’ business has plummeted. This measure can help patients at the same time. , so that taxi drivers have a certain income, described as a win-win solution.
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In addition, Chow Kwok-keung, chairman of the Taxi and Minibus Chamber of Commerce, said while attending the commercial program "Let's Go on a Sunny Day" that anti-epidemic taxi drivers will be charged according to the meter, plus government subsidies, the salary will be double the usual amount.
Under the epidemic, the taxi business has fallen by nearly 50%, and it is believed that there are enough drivers to participate. He also pointed out that the fleet may increase to about 400 vehicles in the future.
Zhou Xu said that drivers participating in the anti-epidemic taxi work need a daily rapid test, and the result is negative before they can start work. They will continue to accept driver registration.
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