The Department of Health and Community Services wishes to remind residents about the public health guidelines in effect when travelling by taxi. These guidelines are to ensure the health and safety of operators and passengers.

Restrictions on the number of passengers allowed to ride in a taxi remain in place and have not changed. For the safety of drivers and passengers, front seat passengers are not allowed during Alert Level 2. Three passengers are allowed to travel in a minivan, while two passengers are allowed to travel in a sedan.

Drivers may allow members of the same family bubble to ride together.

Taxi operators should continue to encourage users to practice physical distancing of at least two metres from the driver and other passengers, where possible. If physical distancing is not possible, it is strongly recommended that the driver and passengers wear non-medical masks or face coverings.

Taxi operators should also avoid handling money, if possible. Digital and contactless payment methods may help to reduce contact between the driver and passengers. If operators must collect money from passengers, they should immediately clean their hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer after handling any money.

Taxi operators are also encouraged to continue providing hand sanitizer for passengers to use when they enter the vehicle.

Operators should establish a routine cleaning schedule for all vehicles. Surfaces that have frequent contact with hands should be cleaned and disinfected:

• At least twice a day;
• When the vehicle is visibly dirty;
• After transporting passengers for medical appointments; and,
• After transporting passengers who display respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing.

Operators should also continue to keep good hand hygiene and physical distancing in mind when refueling the vehicle. After using the gas pump, operators should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Payment at the pump or contactless payment methods are encouraged, if possible.

Taxi operators and the public are reminded to stay home if they are sick and avoid contact with others.

Wherever possible, unwell passengers should use a personal mode of transport to reduce the risk of spread.

If an unwell person does need to use a taxi to seek medical attention, they must practice physical distancing from others as much as possible and wear a non-medical mask or face covering to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever (or signs of a fever, including chills, sweats, muscle aches, lightheadedness);
• Cough;
• Headache;
• Sore throat;
• Painful swallowing;
• Runny nose;
• Diarrhea;
• Loss of sense of smell or taste;
• Unexplained loss of appetite; and,
• Small red or purple spots on your hands and/or feet.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19, please call 811.

The department wishes to thank taxi operators and the public for their cooperation and understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guidelines for taxi travel are available here.

Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca