measures that are being taken by A.T.T.C.L. to protect the safety of Our Clients, Staff and Operators
ATTCL Driver Newswire re Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Driver’s Newsletter re: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As Toronto Public Health (TPH) continues to monitor and update the public on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Associated Toronto Taxi-Cab Co-operative Limited (A.T.T.C.L.) would like to ensure strong measures are being taken to protect the safety of staff, Operators and our customers.
Toronto Public Health recommends that we all continue to use the following infection prevention measures:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Stay home when you are ill
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Clean and disinfect your vehicle daily, including all surfaces which passengers and/or drivers may come in contact with, such as exterior and interior door handles, interior grab bars, doors panels, seats and seatbelts.
One of the key methods of protecting ourselves is maintaining good hygiene practices. Good handwashing practices is one of the first lines of defence against infectious diseases. This includes:
(a) Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
(b) Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of hands, between fingers, and under fingernails.
(c) Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
(d) Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
(e) Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Hand sanitizers are an alternate solution when handwashing is not practical. Hand sanitizers are considered a temporary substitute. However,
• Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
• Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
• Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
Effective use of hand sanitizers includes:
• Applying the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.
As well, to minimize the potential spread of the virus to the customers, drivers and their families and general public, ensuring your vehicle is kept clean and sanitized is another important step in protection against infectious disease.
Drivers should be using disinfectant wipes and sprays to wipe down the entire seating areas after dropping off each passenger. Clean all surfaces which passengers and/or drivers may come in contact with, including exterior and interior door handles, interior grab bars, doors panels, seats and seatbelts.
Finally, if you are not feeling well, STAY HOME. Do not risk becoming more sick or infecting others while working. Remain home until all the infectious symptoms have cleared and your medical professional has advised that it is safe for you to return to work.
For Toronto Public Health’s latest information on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), visit their website at:
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/diseases-medications-vaccines/coronavirus/