Taxi drivers are not permitted to work during the curfew imposed by government to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Prime Minister and Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Moses Nagamootoo has clarified.
He made this clarification during an virtual press conference, earlier this afternoon.
“The one (question) regarding the taxi…They will not be permitted to work during the curfew. The curfew period: 18:00hrs to 6:00hrs will be restricted to essential services,” he said.
He continued: “If any of these public transportation services is perhaps recruited to say carry medical personnel to the hospital, the police will have to be notified…So, I will tell taxis, minivans: ‘Stay out from the roads from 6pm to 6am; you will be pulled over by the police; you will be questioned as to whom is in your vehicle. You have the whole day to work!” the PM noted.
The NCTF Chairman said that he has received reports of persons increasing fares because they have been asked to incorporated social distancing into their operations.
Nagamootoo reminded that the sudden drop in gas price can allow operators to better enforce these measures and play their part in stopping the transmission of the virus.
Essential services, according to the Heath Ministry, includes:
(a) hospitals, healthcare and medical services including pharmacies, drug stores and private veterinary services;
(b) nursing homes, orphanages, shelters and other related care centers;
(c) immigration;
(d) the Revenue Authority;
(e) electricity services;
(f) water supply services;
(g) the disciplined forces;
(h) prison services;
(i) solid waste management, sewerage and janitorial services;
(j) air traffic control;
(k) Demerara Harbour Bridge and Berbice River Bridge;
(l) hotels and accommodation;
(m) factories, manufacturers or distributors of food supplies and essential goods including medical supplies where the Minister of Public Health has determined that the continuation of these operations do not pose a risk to public health.
