The government has set up a dedicated taxi fleet to transport patients free of charge to and from their residences and 7 “designated clinics” of the Hospital Authority. The fleet began to provide services this morning (18th), with regarding 300 taxis participating. One of the designated clinics, the Kowloon Bay Health Center, had patients arriving by a dedicated taxi at around 9:00. The driver wore a protective suit and a mask. After the passengers got off the car, the carriage was immediately disinfected.
Zheng Minyi, executive vice-chairman of the Taxi Drivers Association, said on the radio program in the morning that more than 300 appointments have been received within 20 minutes following the appointments started at 7:00 in the morning. in the same district.
She said that drivers should be tested and prepared before starting work every day, including wearing masks and protective clothing, etc. The association also reminded drivers not to talk to the patients they pick up, and the daily working hours of the team are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. At 6:00, other passengers cannot be picked up during the rest of the time.
