With public transportation- taxis and autorickshaws- allowed to operate under odd-even basis, the state government has issued fresh guidelines to District Task Forces to streamline the system keeping in mind the safety of both the driver and the passenger(s).
According to the advisory issued by principal secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha, taxis and autos are permitted to operate with a maximum of two passengers but no passenger is allowed in the front seat. The advisory warns that in the event any passenger was found not wearing a mask, the offender and the driver of the taxi/auto rickshaw shall be fined an amount of Rs. 200 each.
Drivers have been advised to disinfect the frequently touched area of the autos/ taxis such as door knobs, door handles etc. after every trip. They are also to compulsorily keep hand sanitizer in the vehicle.
The advisory also informed that drivers can produce negative Covid-19 test reports from any of the tests– RAT/ RTPCR/ TrueNat/ CBNAAT- and that testing shall be free of cost.
All drivers, who come into contact with the public, have been advised to get vaccinated at the earliest, and pending complete vaccination, drivers have been asked to carry Covid-19 negative test results valid for up to 15 days. However, a COVID-19 negative test result won’t be necessary if a driver has a full vaccination certificate.
A driver may be exempted from the requirement of carrying a COVID-19 test report if he completely isolates himself by putting a plastic barrier/sheet in the vehicle between the driver and the passenger.
Mingling and overcrowding with other drivers and crowding at the taxi/ auto rickshaw stand(s) should be avoided. Any driver showing Covid-19 like symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, loss of smell/ taste, diarrhoea etc., should immediately self- isolate and get tested.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioners & chairmen of District Task Forces have been advised to immediately take steps for ensuring adherence to the above additional guidelines.