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Driver COVID-19 Information and Resources (NYC)
Last Updated 6/11/2020

TLC Updates During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 health crisis, TLC and the City are taking steps to support TLC drivers, vehicle owners and businesses. Below you will find the current status of TLC operations as well as available City resources. The TLC is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide additional support or information as needed. Please follow us on twitter at twitter.com/nyctaxi for the latest updates.

As of April 17, New York State now requires all TLC drivers and passengers to wear face coverings while riding together. You can use a homemade mask, bandana, or a scarf to cover your mouth and nose. Protect yourself and others.

Community Info

The well-being of everyone we work with is our main priority at Curb. We have set up this page to communicate best practices suggested by the TLC and MTA (for those of you servicing MTA trips). We will do our best to keep this page updated as we become aware of new information, but we are also sharing links to sites and social media accounts provided to us which may be more up-to-date. 

By accepting trip offers/requests, you agree to the Curb Driver Services Agreement located here: https://gocurb.com/blog/curb-products/curb-driver-tos/

‍For Drivers Performing MTA Trips (in addition to TLC guidance):
‍
- Drivers should disinfect the vehicle at the conclusion of each MTA trip before picking up the next passenger
- Any driver who is feeling ill with symptoms that are in line with those of the coronavirus should notify Curb Customer Support immediately
- Any driver who transports an MTA passenger who they believe is showing such symptoms should also notify Curb Customer Support immediately
- No shared rides are permitted
- No trainees, family members, or other riders are allowed in the front or back of the vehicle when transporting MTA customer, except the MTA Customer themselves and their guests/PCAs. 

TLC Guidance: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
‍
- Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause mild illnesses like a cold, to more serious illnesses like pneumonia.
- Infections with this new virus have been reported in many countries, including the U.S. For an updated list of affected areas, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.
- The virus is likely to be spread from person to person, but it is currently unclear how easily it spreads.
- Commonly reported symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
- Most people (80%) with COVID-19 will feel like they have a bad cold or the flu. Some people will require hospitalization. People who are at most risk for severe illness are elderly or have other health conditions.

WHAT SHOULD TLC-LICENSED DRIVERS, VEHICLE OWNERS AND OPERATORS DO?

TLC-licensed drivers, vehicle owners and operators should go about their daily lives, but take certain precautions:

- TLC-licensed drivers, vehicle owners and operators are encouraged to clean their vehicles at least daily
      - Standard cleaning and disinfection products are recommended (e.g. Clorox, Purell, Peroxide multi-purpose cleaner)
     - Pay special attention to disinfecting surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as door handles, arm rests, and seatbelts, as appropriate
     - Keep the vehicle doors open while cleaning and disinfecting.
   - Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and only use them once. Throw gloves in the trash after use and wash hands immediately with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
     - Wait until all surfaces have dried before giving a ride to a passenger.
- Get the flu shot—it’s not too late. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
       - Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you feel sick, stay home.
- If you have fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, and recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of coronavirus, or have been in close contact with someone who has recently traveled to any of those areas, go to your doctor.
- If you have these symptoms, but no travel history, stay home and call your doctor.
      - If you need connection to a health care provider, call 311.
     - Hospital staff will not ask about immigration status. Receiving health care is not a public benefit identified by the public charge test.
- Print and post information for passengers in your back seat. Visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus for posters and flyers.
- For additional information about cleaning and disinfecting, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and look for “General Cleaning/Disinfection Guidance for NonHealth Care Settings” on the “Businesses and Other Facilities” page.

MONITOR YOUR HEALTH MORE CLOSELY THAN USUAL FOR COVID-19 SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS FEVER, COUGH, SORE THROAT OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH.

- Stay home if you are sick. If you had or may have had COVID-19, stay home until all the following are true:
     - It has been at least seven days after your symptoms started.
     - You never had fever or you have not had a fever for the past three days without the use of fever-reducing medicine such         as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
      - Your overall illness has improved.

PRACTICE HEALTHY PERSONAL HYGIENE

- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. Do not use your hands. Immediately throw out tissues and wash your hands afterward. o Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Have tissues and hand sanitizer available in your vehicle for your passengers. o Do not shake hands. Instead, wave.
- If you do physically interact with a customer, remember to wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer after every transaction.

MAINTAIN SOCIAL (PHYSICAL) DISTANCING

- Create more personal space. If possible, keep at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others.
- Ask passengers to sit in the back to create physical distance. If the vehicle has a partition, keep all partition openings closed. If the vehicle does not have a partition, you may install a temporary partition between the front and back of the vehicle. Visit the TLC website for a complete list of approved temporary partitions.
- Only transport passengers who are in the same party. Group rides (also known as “shared” or “pooled” rides) are not permitted. (note: the ban on group rides does not apply to paratransit vehicles).
- Drivers and passengers must wear a face coverings.
- For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and look for “FAQ About Face Coverings.”
- Drivers should set ventilation to “non-recirculated air mode” in both the driver and passenger compartment or, weather conditions permitting, keep windows down for circulation of fresh air.

MEDICAL FACILITY CONTRACTORS PROVIDING TRANSPORT FOR PATIENTS SHOULD FOLLOW THEIR COMPANY’S GUIDELINES

COVID-19 Diagnostic and Antibody Testing
‍
- Free COVID-19 Diagnostic Test – The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, free, and easy. A nasal swab, oral swab or saliva sample may be used. You do NOT need insurance to get a diagnostic test.
- There are over 100 convenient COVID-19 diagnostic testing sites across the city. Click here to find a testing site near you.
- COVID-19 Antibody Testing
- The COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test to find antibodies — proteins in your blood that fight infections. The test is taken through your finger. A positive test for antibodies is not necessarily an indication of immunity.
- Visit the COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal for information on where to get the COVID-19 antibody test.

TEST & TRACE CORPS INITIATIVE

- The City launched a Test & Trace Corps Initiative in June to stop COVID-19 infections in New York City and help the City reopen. The Test & Trace Corps Initiative makes free COVID-19 testing and support available to all New Yorkers. Anyone that tests positive with be paired with a Tracer who will help guide them. Tracers are recruited from communities across the city, with specific focus in communities hardest hit by COVID-19.
- We are connecting drivers with Test & Trace Corps Initiative information at our Safety & Emissions Facility at Woodside, as well as at all 11 citywide food distribution sites for TLC Delivery.

AT THIS TIME, TLC-LICENSED DRIVERS, VEHICLE OWNERS AND OPERATORS DO NOT NEED TO:

- Limit travel within the city.
- Avoid public gatherings and public transportation.
- Change anything about where you get your food or how you prepare it.

WHAT SHOULD TLC-LICENSED DRIVERS, VEHICLE OWNERS AND OPERATORS WHO ARE INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES?

- Avoid nonessential travel to affected areas.
- Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers for the latest travel health notices.
- If you were recently outside of the U.S and do not have a fever, cough and/or shortness of breath go about your daily life but monitor yourself for these symptoms. If they develop go to your doctor.
- If you were recently outside of the U.S. and have a fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, go to your doctor.
- If your doctor asks you to stay home:
     - Avoid going in public or to work until you have been fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever reducing drugs like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
      - Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, not with your hands.
     - Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

OSHA Guidance for Taxi Service Workers

- Wear masks over nose and mouth to prevent spread of the virus, and ask customers to do the same.
- Provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol for both drivers and customers.
- Provide drivers and customers with tissues and trash receptacles.
- Encourage drivers to report any safety and health concerns.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE SEPARATE FACTS FROM FEAR AND GUARD AGAINST STIGMA.

- A lot of information circulating about coronavirus on social media and even in some news reporting is not based in the facts. Get your information about COVID-19 from trusted sources like the NYC Health Department at nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.
     - Support your friends, neighbors and colleagues by proactively sharing this message and countering misinformation.
     - For real-time updates, text “COVID” to 692-692. Messages and data rates may apply.
     - Obtain information about COVID-19 from trusted sources like the NYC Health Department, the CDC, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, you can report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 and saying “human rights.”
- If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692- 9355) or text WELL to 65173. NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.

THE NYC HEALTH DEPARTMENT MAY CHANGE RECOMMENDATIONS AS THE SITUATION EVOLVES.

- For up to date information, you can visit the Health Department’s website and social media channels, which are routinely updated and a trusted source. We are including these links below, as well as a link to a public fact sheet.
- Website: www.nyc.gov/coronavirus
- FB: www.facebook.com/nychealth
- Twitter: @nychealthy
- IG: @nychealthy

TLC Guidance: TLC OPERATIONS – UPDATE ON COVID-19

During the COVID-19 health crisis, TLC and the City are taking steps to support TLC drivers, vehicle owners and businesses. We are updating you on the current status of TLC operations as well as available City resources.  The TLC is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide additional support or information as needed. Please visit the TLC website and follow us on twitter at twitter.com/nyctaxi for the latest updates.

TLC Operations

- Licensing (Long Island City)
     - Office remains open and operational but capacity for in person visits has been reduced.
     - Existing appointments: Individuals with existing appointments will continue to be served.  If you need to cancel or         reschedule your appointment, please follow the instructions provided in your appointment confirmation email.  
     - Walk-ins: Please contact the TLC online instead of visiting our licensing office. TLC will accept walk-ins for only driver        license, decal and rate card replacements.
     - Online information and transactions: Please contact the TLC online for any of the following information:
           - To check the status of your license, application date, expiration date, upcoming drug tests and other requirements,               visit TLC UP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
           - To update your contact information, please visit LARS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
       - Still have questions or need help? TLC staff are available to answer your questions remotely. Please                        emaillicensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov or call the TLC Call Center 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
                                  - License and application questions: (718) 391-5501
                                  - Summonses and settlements: (718) 391-5584
- Prosecution (Long Island City)
     - Hearings: OATH remains open but is rescheduling hearings for anyone who requests a new hearing date.  Please visit        the OATH website for more information.
     - TLC Settlements: Please email all requests for settlements at settlements@tlc.nyc.gov.  To reduce the number of             people in the waiting room, individuals who appear at TLC’s LIC office seeking a settlement may be asked to return at               a different day or time.  Prosecution staff are available to handle settlement requests remotely.
- Vehicle Inspections (Woodside)
     - Vehicle Inspections: TLC’s Woodside Inspection Facility remains open and operational.  Owners with existing           appointments should appear for their scheduled inspection.  Owners with notices of violations should correct the                defect and appear for re-inspection as directed on the notice.

Resources Available for Drivers, Vehicle Owners and Businesses

- Taxi Loan Assistance: Multiple lenders are working with borrowers to lower or stop collecting monthly loan payments . We are encouraging all lenders to take similar action to support taxi owners.  Please contact your lender to learn if you are eligible for relief during the health crisis.
- City Assistance: Assistance is available for any New Yorker who needs it.  Visit the NYC Human Resources Administration website to learn about available assistance.
- Worried or Stressed? NYC Well counselors can provide short-term counseling, access to other mental health services, and appointment scheduling assistance in more than 200 languages.  Visit NYC Well, text “WELL” to 6517, call 1-888-NYC-WELL or chat online at nyc.gov/nycwell.
- Struggling to Pay Bills? Get FREE confidential financial counseling at the NYC Financial Empowerment Center.
- Sign Up for Medical Insurance: MetroPlus is the plan of choice for over half a million New Yorkers. In addition to Medicaid Managed Care, MetroPlus offers dozens of quality health plans, including Child Health Plus; several Medicare Plans; a Medicaid Special Needs Plan (SNP).
- Need to talk? NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline at 844-863-9314 is staffed 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. The phone line is staffed with specially trained volunteer professionals who are there to listen, support and refer if needed.
- If you need a health care provider: NYC Health and Hospitals provides care to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, insurance status or ability to pay. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844- 692-4692) or 311.

Face Coverings: Frequently Asked Questions

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends that all New Yorkers wear a face covering when outside of their home to help stop the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Wearing a face covering does not make you invincible! New Yorkers still need to stay home as much as possible, especially if sick. It is essential that people continue to practice social (physical) distancing and good hand hygiene even when wearing a face covering — including keeping 6 feet of distance between themselves and others whenever possible. A face covering is one more precaution we can take that may help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Driver Community's FAQ.

What is a face covering?

A face covering is any well-secured paper or cloth (like a bandana or scarf) that covers your mouth and nose.

Who should wear a face covering?

All New Yorkers should wear a face covering when they need to be outside their home and may be closer than 6 feet from others. People who are sick should wear a face covering while at home if they cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. People who are sick and who need to leave home, such as to get urgent medical care, should always wear a face covering.

Do I need to wear a face covering all the time when outside my house?

If you are sick, yes. Remember you must stay home if you are sick and only leave for essential medical care or to get basic necessities such as groceries.

If you are not sick, you should wear a face covering whenever you need to leave home and might be closer than 6 feet from others. Examples include riding the subway or bus, riding in a taxi or car service, walking on a busy street, going to pharmacies and grocery stores, and going to the doctor or a hospital.

Essential workers should also wear a face covering at work when they cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and others.

Do I need to wear a face covering when I am exercising?

No — as long as you maintain at least 6 feet from others.

People should only do exercise that enables them to keep physical distance from others. Walking, running, and biking are good examples of activities that do not require shared equipment or close contact with others.

I was confirmed to have COVID-19 and am better now, do I still need to wear a face covering?

There is a lot we still don’t know about COVID-19, including how long the virus remains in someone’s body and whether it’s possible to get sick again. For this reason, we recommend that you continue physical distancing and other precautions even after you are better. This includes wearing a face covering when you are outside your home and cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others.

Remember if you had or may have had COVID-19, you should not leave the house except for essential medical care or to get essential needs until all the following are true:

- It has been at least 7 days since your symptoms started.
- You never had a fever or you have not had a fever for the last 3 days without taking fever-reducing drugs such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Your overall illness has improved.

Why are you recommending this now?

There is a lot we are still learning about COVID-19. However, there is increased evidence that people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus, and that droplets produced when breathing, speaking, or singing may spread COVID-19 from person to person. We continue to think staying home and practicing physical distancing and good hand hygiene are the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. By recommending that New Yorkers use a face covering, we are adding one more thing that may help reduce the spread, especially from people who are sick and do not know it yet.

What type of face covering is better — paper or cloth?

Either paper or cloth face covering is fine — as long as you are covering your nose and mouth.

However, please do not hoard paper masks, especially medical grade masks, such as N95 masks or surgical masks. These masks are in very short supply and our health care providers need masks to stay healthy and to care for the most critically ill. Health care workers cannot keep distance from others, avoid sick people, or avoid contact with others’ bodily fluid such as saliva, so it is essential that we reserve masks for them.

How often do I need to wash my face covering?

If you are using a cloth face covering, we recommend washing once a day by hand or machine using detergent. The face covering should be fully dry before using. People should have a couple of face coverings so they can rotate for washing.

For how long can I use a paper face covering?

If you use a non-health care worker paper face covering, we recommend that you use a new one every day. Please don’t use health care worker masks, such as N95 or surgical masks. It is essential that we save health care worker masks for our health care workers! Use a bandana, a scarf, or a covering that you have made yourself rather than using masks that are needed by our health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic.

Are there precautions I should take with my face covering?

- In taking on and off a face covering, you will likely touch your face. As such, please wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or, if not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer every time you take on and off your face covering.
- Do not put a used face covering in places where others can touch them or where germs trapped in your face covering can touch other surfaces, such as counter tops or your kitchen table.
- Used paper masks should be thrown out at the end of the day.
- Do not throw your face covering loose in a bag or backpack. We recommend keeping a plastic back with you to store your face covering if you will be taking if off when outside the house.

Is it possible to make your own face covering?

Yes! A face covering can be a scarf, bandana or other cloth.

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