How not to catch Covid-19 in a cab
Experts have revealed their tips for sharing a car or taxi during the coronavirus pandemic, in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Sharing a car with someone who is not from your household or support bubble is not recommended. If car sharing is undertaken precautions are essential.
Professor Catherine Noakes, a mechanical engineer with a background in fluid dynamics at the University of Leeds, advises opening windows for ventilation, sitting diagonally opposite the driver and cleaning high-touch points such as door handles.
Wearing a face covering to protect other people in the vehicle is also mandatory on public transport, taxis and private hire vehicles – and an essential weapon against the virus.
'Travelling in cars particularly is a challenging one, because it is a very small space – it is one of the smallest spaces that we occupy,' Professor Noakes told the Guardian.
Here are some of the best practices.
Open the windows
SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, is carried in microscopic droplets emitted during natural respiratory activities, such as breathing, and talking. Recent simulations found these infected airborne particles in a car can build up to dangerous levels in just 15 minutes if the windows are not opened.
Opening all four windows in a car is the most effective
way to ensure adequate ventilation and reduce risk of transmission if either the passenger or driver is infected. The best arrangement is for the passenger to sit diagonally behind the driver and open the rear driver's side window as well as the one on the front passenger's side.
'The simulations showed an air current that acts like a barrier between the driver and the passenger,' said Dr Varghese Mathai, a physicist from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 'While these measures are no substitute for wearing a face mask while inside a car, they can help reduce the pathogen load inside the confined space of a car.'
According to Professor Noakes, air conditioning in the car isn't as effective as open windows – and, if used, it must be put on the correct setting. 'It is absolutely critical that you put it on fresh air mode,' she said.
Face masks
'Masks contain almost all the larger aerosols and droplets,' said Professor Noakes, who is a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). 'Even a lower quality mask has a good reduction, and a lot that escape are leakage around the edges due to mask fit.'
Face masks that are only half on – covering the mouth but not the nose – have become a common sight. But wearing them in this fashion makes them redundant, Professor Noakes says. 'If you don’t cover your nose with your face covering it’s only partially protecting other people from your exhaled breath,' she said. 'But it also provides zero protection to you. Air takes the easiest path so you will breathe in mostly through your nose and bypass any benefit from the mask.'
Sanitise
Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles also contain a multitude of high-touch point areas where the coronavirus can linger. Because of this, it's advised that when making an essential journey, the public carries anti-viral products with them – and not be embarrassed to use them.
Giving the door handle and the seat belt buckle and fastener a once over with anti-viral wipes can make a big difference before starting a journey.
Guidelines also advise paying for a journey in advance or using contactless payment in the vehicle, instead of handing over cash. Drivers are advised: 'Take contactless payment if you can. If not, you should wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser after handling money.
'You should remind passengers to wash or sanitise their hands after the journey.'