June 1, 2020 Update 

Greetings, I hope you and your loved ones are well and safe. In this update, I will share the latest information on temporary partitions, COVID-19 precautions, and TLC Food Delivery. 

TEMPORARY PARTITIONS 

During this public health crisis, the TLC has eased restrictions to allow TLC-licensed vehicle owners, including livery and black cars, to install temporary partitions. You can find our updated list of installers here. We recommend contacting the installers first to check availability and cost, before going in person. Price points range from $69 to $600, and we continue to vet and approve vendors, as interest grows in temporary partitions and competition lowers the prices. We are not doing enforcement on homemade partitions, but we strongly encourage you to use an approved vendor so that the temporary partition is safe for you, the riding public, and those you share the street with. 

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS 

As a professional driver, you can protect your health and play a major role in helping New York City recover from the pandemic by following the health guidelines below. 

Feeling sick? Monitor your health closely for COVID-19 symptoms, such as a fever, cough, breath shortness, or sore throat. If you have symptoms, stay home and call your medical provider. You can visit nyc.gov/covidtest to find a community testing site near you, or call 311. More information for New Yorkers about COVID-19 can be found here. 

FACE COVERINGS: Always wear a face covering when providing service, and passengers should only enter the vehicle when their face is covered as well. Something as simple as a bandanna, scarf, or homemade mask can be used to cover one’s face and mouth, protecting both the safety of the driver and the riding public. 

SOCIAL DISTANCING: Social distancing has played a major role in fighting the pandemic and saving lives. Whenever possible, try to stay at least six feet from passengers. You can socially distance by asking passengers to sit in the back. Pooled (group) rides are not allowed– only allow riders within the same party. 

VEHICLE VENTILATION: Drivers should set vehicle ventilation to non-recirculated air or open windows for circulation of fresh air. 

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS: Whenever you have the chance, wash your hands and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, wash hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you need to cough or sneeze, use a tissue or your sleeve. Throw out the tissue immediately, and wash your hands afterward. Only touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with clean hands. If you need to physically interact with a rider for a transaction, always clean your hands after. 

DISINFECT VEHICLES: It is important to be vigilant about surfaces and objects that are touched frequently by passengers, such as door handles, payment machines, seat belts and buckles, window buttons, arm rests, and locks. Frequently clean surfaces that drivers touch, such as the steering wheel, radio buttons, turn indicator, and cup holders. Use regular disinfectant products (such as alcohol-based multi-purpose products, peroxide, or Clorox) that are appropriate for the 

surface, and keep the car doors open while cleaning and disinfecting. To protect yourself, wear disposable gloves while cleaning, dispose of them after cleaning, and wash hands immediately with hand sanitizer or soap and water. 

TLC EMERGENCY FOOD DELIVERY 

Since March, the City has distributed tens of millions of meals to New Yorkers who need food, and this number has grown to more than a million meals daily by the end of May. TLC drivers, across all industries, have played a pivotal role. Many NYC residents have not gone hungry in because Taxi, Livery, and Black Car Drivers are delivering meals citywide. We are so appreciative of your service preventing hunger in New York City. 

If you have not had a chance yet to sign-up, or know TLC drivers who want to sign up, visit www.nyc.gov/DeliveryTLC. You only need a TLC Driver License in good standing; no TLC vehicle is necessary. Pay is $53 per route, and multiple routes are often available– first come, first served. If you have questions about signing up, please email supportnyc@tlc.nyc.gov, and visit this website if you have a question about payment. 

We thank all the hero and heroine TLC Drivers for their work and enthusiasm! 

Sincerely, 

Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk 

Commissioner/Chair 

NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission 

Article by Black Car News

Black Car News provides breaking news, editorial, and information to drivers, owners, and other key players in the New York City for-hire vehicle industry.

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