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COVID-19 Updates for Drivers

During this difficult time Drivers Benefits is compiling information and providing research specifically for New York drivers for rideshare app companies and the more traditional Black Car bases in the industry. We are frequently updating the below resources.

What Should You Do If You Feel Sick?

Use telemedicine

Check out our Telemedicine benefit here

Get tested

There are plenty of ways to find a test near you:

  • New York City Department of Health testing website is here.
  • New York State Department of Health testing website is here.
  • You can get a free walk-in test at the locations listed here.
  • If you have questions about any symptoms you’re experiencing and don’t have a primary care provider, you can call the 24-hour state hotline at 1-888-364-3065, or 311 to receive assistance on making an appointment for a COVID-19 test.
  • All NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) locations are offering free COVID-19 antibody testing. An antibody test measures the proteins in your blood that fight off infections, and you can read more about them here. To find a testing location near you, click here.

Keep your car clean

Disinfect most commonly touched parts of the car: steering wheel, backseats, passenger handles, seatbelts, car buttons, and headrests. Here are more detailed tips for how to clean your car during Coronavirus.

Have a partition installed in your car.

Installing a partition is an important step in stopping the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus by separating you from your passengers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taxi and Limousine Commission is allowing all vehicles without partitions to install temporary partitions by approved TLC-partition installers. See the updated approved list of partition installers here.

The TLC recommends contacting the approved installer prior to showing up to their business. The TLC also recommends keeping a copy of your installation paperwork in your vehicle to demonstrate the partition was installed by an approved installer.

If you are leasing your car, we also recommend reaching out to your leaser to make sure they approve and to see if they have any special deals for their clients.

Keep your car ventilated

As stated in this Private Auto Transportation Master Guidance released by New York, drivers should increase ventilation in their cars whenever possible by opening windows. If they are unable to, they should not use recirculated air when passengers are in the car.

Wash your hands often

We know it’s hard to find a bathroom to wash your hands, so we recommend keeping the following in your car so you can wash your hands on-the-go:

  • Water bottle with a sports cap
  • Soap
  • Paper towels so you can fully dry your hands
  • Plastic bag to throw out the paper towel
  • Remember you must wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Here’s a video to show you how to properly wash your hands, so you don’t forget any hidden spots.

Coronavirus is rapidly spreading throughout the world. The best way to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe is to stay home if you think you might be getting sick, even if it’s just the common cold. Also, avoid public space and keep your distance from people when you’re not driving.

You can find the videos with Spanish subtitles here, French subtitles here, and Chinese subtitles here.

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