Government has not acted irresponsibly over 100% taxi load – Mkhize

Speaking at a media briefing at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital during a visit on Tuesday, health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said this move by government was not irresponsible but was taken after ‘careful considerations from health studies’.

Mkhize said the decision was taken after taking into account studies looking into the dangers of transmission in a fully packed taxi and ways to reduce these.

“Social distancing is not possible inside full taxis, that’s why there should be open windows for ventilation to take place so that possible Covid-19 droplets do not have enough time to settle.”

“The windows will not be wide open … just a few centimetres will ensure ventilation takes place.”

“We have suggested window stoppers that will allow a slight opening of the windows to help direct the draft of the air. The industry is taking this into consideration.”

Mkhize said a study on the flow of air inside a taxi suggested for ventilation to take place it needed about six open windows.

“Ventilation of the environment with natural air moving through the space and exiting into open air reduces the concentration of the virus in ambient air substantially. It must be noted that people most at risk are those spending the most time in the taxi who is the drivers and conductors.”

The time factor was essential in the health ministry’s advice as it only advised 100% taxi load for short distances.

“Studies from South Korea and China showed the virus spreads very quickly between people sitting in a confined space for more than 20 minutes.”

He said cleaning of surfaces was even more vital under the 100% load rule.

Mkhize reiterated government?s call for mandatory wearing of masks inside the taxis.

“With no masks on, there is a 100% chance of transmission.”

He said the wearing of masks was an important measure in reducing transmission levels. Government has warned taxi operators that they could face penalties if this did not happen.

“The worst-case scenario that can happen is when the taxi is full (and) people are not wearing masks and those who are infected are coughing and not observing cough etiquette or hands are not sanitised and the windows are closed. That pressure would give the highest amount of infection.”

Previously, taxis were only allowed to load 70% capacity to ensure social distancing but according to Mkhize, after analysis by the department of transport, the industry would not be able to stay afloat.

This led to the health department to study the possibilities of transmissions on short distance with 100% load capacity.

“The proposal we had made (reduced taxi load) would not be able to sustain taxi industry operations.”

While studies were underway to see if the virus was airborne or not, Mkhize said ventilation would still be of value even if the study would prove so.

“With the studies in place, we think there are enough mitigating measures we have put in place to reduce the risk, so it is not irresponsible.”

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