Transportation operators are significant contributors to the tourism product noting that taxi and ride-share services are one of the first points of welcome. Valuing the contribution of this sub-sector, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Health and Wellness conducted various consultation meetings with taxi and rideshare operators and have outlined the necessary protocols for operation during the phased opening of the tourism sector, which commenced on June 4, 2020.

While the destination learns to co-exist with COVID-19, cognizant that there is still a threat of transmission of the virus from regional and international travel, the Ministry of Tourism created a visual public service announcement (PSA) to reiterate to transportation operators as well as enlighten the public of all protocols to be observed during the utilization of tourism transportation services.

The protocols for COVID-19-compliant taxi and rideshare services include:

• Drivers must wear a face mask at all times
• The Official COVID Compliance obtained through the Ministry of Tourism, must be displayed when on duty
• No shaking of hands…a gentle nod or elbow greet will do
• Hand sanitizer must be offered to guests prior to entering the taxi
• Installing a Plexiglas is highly recommended as an added layer of protection between the Taxi
• Driver and passengers
• Drivers must sanitize their hands prior to and after any possible contact
• Electronic methods of payments are encouraged as an alternative to cash transactions
• All guests must keep their feet on floor mats and wear a face mask throughout the journey
• Taxi drivers must undergo relevant training organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Health relating to COVID-19 compliance

At this point of the reopening of the sector the objective is to secure lives and restore livelihoods amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the Ministry of Tourism will continue to work closely with tourism transportation providers in ensuring that they are equipped to execute their duties in the safest possible manner, so as to mitigate any possible spread of the virus into our communities. For this reason, additional training in COVID-19 Compliance will be held in the coming days through the Taxi Companies and Associations.

For more information please visit the Ministry of Tourism’s website at: https://slutourism.govt.lc or call 468-4603/ 468-4629.