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The global community has faced a dire situation on all fronts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge lies partly in the fact that the current generation has never experienced anything like this before. Uncertainty and confusion regarding how to navigate life under quarantine leave many feeling paralyzed or depressed. Yet, life goes on. Gradually, new patterns of behavior are emerging, along with new recommendations and rules.
Ministry of Health guidelines primarily emphasize minimizing contact and maintaining self-isolation during the quarantine. However, if leaving home is unavoidable, one must wear a protective mask and sanitize one's hands. There are also restrictions regarding the number of people allowed in public spaces and the safe distance to be maintained between individuals. If travel is essential, taking a taxi is the preferred option.
A senior police official has provided clarification regarding passenger limits and mask-wearing in taxis and private cars. According to this information, a private vehicle is not classified as a public space. Consequently, there are no restrictions on the number of passengers—other than the vehicle's physical capacity. Furthermore, police are not authorized to penalize a driver for not wearing a mask; the driver is required to wear one only when interacting with officers during a traffic stop.
However, regarding vehicles operating as taxis, the rules established for public transport apply to passenger numbers. In other words, the answer to the question of how many passengers a taxi may carry is unequivocal: two people (excluding children under the age of 14). Drivers are also required to wear masks. Although private car owners are not subject to this rule, they are nonetheless strongly advised to wear masks for their own safety—especially when the vehicle contains people other than family members, such as neighbors or friends.
To ensure safety, many taxi services are focusing on three areas:
After all, COVID can also be transmitted via surfaces. To ensure the cost of disinfectants does not deter drivers from purchasing them, the company reimburses the cost.
Since a taxi is not considered public transport in the traditional sense, the question arises: can a passenger be required to wear a mask? Given the situation that emerged in 2020 (and with no immediate prospect of improvement in 2021), clients should act responsibly and avoid endangering the driver and other passengers.
Just as before the lockdown, you can book a taxi during the quarantine period by phone or via a dedicated mobile app. For SHARK—a company operating in nearly forty Ukrainian cities—that app is SHARK TAXI.
