Drivers,
The health and safety of Columbus Yellow Cab’s community has and always will be our number one priority. With recent news around Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to make sure CYC’s drivers and riders are informed on how to best protect themselves and others when sharing the ride.
Protecting our community
If we are notified of a rider (or driver) testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from driving or refused transportation by CYC until they are medically cleared. In this event, we will also follow guidance from the CDC and local health officials to identify other individuals who may have been impacted.
We’re following updates on COVID-19, including guidance from the CDC and local health officials. We have an internal task force dedicated solely to this issue, and we’ll continue to take actions necessary to help protect the community. CYC has been in touch with drivers to make sure they have the latest guidance from the CDC on how to best protect themselves.
Helping with prevention
Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds — especially after using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing, interacting with multiple people, and before eating.
If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content (check the label to see the alcohol content). Per the CDC, studies have found that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you have to cough or sneeze, and wash or sanitize your hands as soon as you can. No tissue? Please cover your mouth (elbows are best). Quickly dispose of any used tissues.
Disinfecting wipes are a good option for cleaning shared surfaces.
What to do if you feel sick
Per the CDC, if you begin to develop symptoms, call a medical professional. You should also contact a doctor if you’ve had contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread (China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, or Italy). Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact.
Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Please stay home if you are sick. If you need to see a doctor, work with a medical professional to discuss transportation options. Per the CDC, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect you may have it, you should not use ridesharing, public transportation, or taxis.
About COVID-19
COVID-19 is the name for the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. CO = Corona, VI = Virus, D = Disease, 19 = 2019, the year in which the illness was first reported. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause mild illnesses like a cold, to more serious respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.
Per the CDC, symptoms for COVID-19 may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear between two to fourteen days after being exposed. Most people (80%) with COVID-19 will feel like they have a bad cold or the flu. Some people will require hospitalization. The elderly and people with existing health conditions have an increased risk of severe illness.
Per the CDC, if you begin to develop symptoms call a medical professional.