How Can Uber Drivers Avoid Coronavirus?
Since emerging in China on December 31st, Coronavirus has spread worldwide. You can track the virus by clicking here.
Many nations have taken drastic actions to contain the disease, with whole cities on lockdown, travel bans introduced, and many people quarantined. In mid-March Uber suspended Uber Pool, the carpooling option for riders, to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
However, for rideshare drivers, who meet many different people each day, some of whom are international travellers, concerns about infection remain understandably high.
So what does Coronavirus mean for rideshare drivers? How can you keep working, stay healthy and avoid this new flu? INSHUR gives you the facts and tips you need:
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is also called COVID19 and 2019-nCOV. It’s a new strain of flu, probably found in animals, that has not spread to humans before. Because it’s so new, an effective vaccine has not yet been created. Doctors are fighting the disease with existing treatments.
How does it spread?
Although the method of infection has not been fully determined, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is saying that it probably spreads between humans in tiny droplets from sneezes and coughs, or via hand to hand contact. The virus cannot be absorbed through the skin, caught from packages sent from other countries or from certain types of food. Be careful not to be rubbing your eyes and nose if you have not recently washed your hands thoroughly.
Who can catch it?
Anyone. Just like regular flu, Coronavirus does not separate victims from one another. Most of those who have died from Coronavirus were very young, very old, or already suffering from sickness which lowered their immune systems. However, stronger, healthy people are still at risk.
The virus infects people from all countries.
Does a face mask protect me?
The value of wearing a paper face mask is still undetermined. These cheap, disposable masks are not close fitting and still leave gaps where air can circulate. It also seems likely that most people are picking up the virus from hand contact, and then touching their face with unclean hands. A mask will not guard against that. Keeping hands very clean may offer better protection.
Get tips on keeping your car clean by clicking here.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear, which is why Coronavirus is so hard to spot. However, clear signs of infection are high temperature (fever), coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.
How can I avoid catching and spreading Coronavirus?
Follow your local authority’s guidance around social distancing and isolation.
Good hygiene is also key:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are clearly unwell – but remember that refusing rides could be viewed as discriminatory, which is illegal.
- Keep disinfectant wipes in the car and clean inside surfaces regularly.
- Keep plenty of tissues in the car.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) if you cough, or sneeze. Dump used tissues in the trash straight away.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Don’t think running the A/C or opening the car windows will make any difference. It won’t.
What do I do if I catch Coronavirus?
If you think you may have been infected, don’t rush to your doctor’s office or local hospital. You may spread the virus further.
- ISOLATE yourself at home and CALL the hospital emergency department for advice. If you are showing any symptoms, stay home and do not work.
- Avoid contact with others and keep very strict hand hygiene.
- Stay off work for 14 days to ensure you don’t have the virus. This is better than spreading it.
KEY POINTS
- Coronavirus is a new form of flu. There is no vaccine for it – yet
- Anyone can catch it or spread it
- The virus is NOT spread by people from one specific country or place
- Symptoms take 14 days to appear and are fever, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath
- Wash your hands or use sanitiser constantly
- Avoid clearly unwell people, but do not discriminate because that is illegal
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean interior car surfaces regularly
- If you think you have the virus, do not rush to your doctor or hospital
- Call your hospital emergency room for advice
- Isolate yourself at home, avoid contact with others
- Maintain strict hand hygiene, cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze
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