As a result of the corona crisis, demand for taxis is declining sharply, resulting in loss of income. The cabinet recently announced an extensive support package and a number of temporary measures for entrepreneurs, such as a scheme for self-employed persons without employees with relaxed possibilities to request assistance.
Today Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen announced in a letter to the House of Representatives that, together with Royal Dutch Transport (KNV) it will be examined which parts of the package of measures can also be used for entrepreneurs in the taxi industry.
Because transport availability can be essential during this period, healthcare and taxi transport currently fulfill an important function. As with public transport, the starting point is that a taxi is only used if there is no other option. The health of both the driver and the traveler is paramount.
It is therefore important that both travelers and taxi entrepreneurs follow RIVM's advice regarding hygiene and personal distance. Following these basic principles, a taxi only transports a passenger when there is a distance of at least 1,5 meters between driver and passenger, or when there is a closed partition between the driver and passenger. In addition, it is advisable to transport a maximum of one passenger at a time, unless they are persons from the same household.
protocol with very specific guidelines
In consultation with Royal Dutch Transport, RIVM and Zorgverzekeraars Nederland, two additional protocols have been drawn up for responsible taxi and healthcare transport. One protocol that can be used for regular taxi and healthcare transport, but also a protocol with very specific guidelines that apply to the transport of persons with (the suspected) COVID-19 virus.
Also read: National corona protocol for patient transport is necessary
