Taxicabs in the east China's metropolis of Shanghai are now required to adopt SARS-prevention measures in order to continue with their operations, according to regulations issued by the municipal administration of taxicabs.
The regulations, which are already in force, stipulate that the 80,000-strong taxi drivers wear gauze masks when working and the nearly 50,000 taxicabs be disinfected everyday.
In addition, the taxi drivers are required to fill out forms recording the time and place of entry and exit of every passenger.They must then submit the forms to their companies at the conclusion of their work day.
The reason for such measures is that if a passenger is later found to be a SARS patient or a probable SARS patient, the driver may be contacted immediately, said Qiu Zhenzheng, an official at the administration.
"The regulations are for the good of the taxi drivers, the passengers and the whole society," said Qiu.
(eastday.com May 13, 2003)
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