Uber, Ola Cabs Using Fiberglass Partition To Fight Coronavirus: How It Works?

The post Coronavirus world is expected to be different and the way we lead our day-to-day lives will also undergo massive changes. People will start caring more about hygiene and take precautions regarding the same. 

As life is coming back to normal in the Green and Orange Zones of the country, the state of Kerala is also gearing up to start coming back to normalcy while taking preventive measures. 

Lately, the Uber and Ola in Kerala have come up with an innovative solution to curb the spread of the pathogen; installation of a fibreglass wall between cab driver and passenger.

Read to find out more about this idea…

Govt and Cab Aggregators Take Precautions!

The cab aggregators are expecting a high demand for cabs. Hence the cab drivers will be at a higher risk of contamination as they will ferry many people each day. 

Taking this into consideration, the authorities in Kerala have advised the carmakers to install a fibreglass wall between cab drivers and passengers to ensure their safety. The officials said that the installation of the fibreglass is easy and it can prevent the droplet transmission between drivers and passengers, creating a safe zone for both.

Even though the authorities have asked all the taxi drivers to install the partition, it will be mandatory for any cab that serves at the airports of the state for at least one year. 

On the other hand, the passengers will also have to sanitise their hands with a sanitizer before entering the car. 

The state’s authorities also stated that it’s the cab drivers and not the customers who have to open the door as the customers are not allowed to touch the door handles. 

Both drivers and passengers are mandated to wear face masks during the drives while drivers have to wear compulsory hand gloves as well.

Cashless payment is directed to be applied in an effort to reduce the physical interactions between them. The exchange of money can increase the chance of spreading the disease. 

Cab drivers are also required to sanitise the passenger area properly after every ride so that it’s safe for the next passengers.

The state government has already laid down the regulations to ferry passengers in the cabs. In small hatchbacks or sedans with a capacity of 5 passengers, only 2 passengers will be allowed. The bigger vehicles like MPVs can take up to 4 passengers. The passengers are not allowed to sit in the front seat or put any luggage or other personal items there.

The Return of Stranded Indians Poses a Threat!

The Kerala government is also expecting a rise in the coronavirus cases as many trapped Indians in foreign countries will return. They believe so as many of the passengers will be Kerala residents. 

Ernakulam district administration has asked the taxi drivers to install the fibreglass partition as soon as possible to avoid direct contact between the driver and the passengers.

These partitions and safety protocols will be seen nation-wide in the coming few months. 

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