Amid virus, Chinese ride-sharing cars install added layer of protection

South Asia

Reuters
27 February, 2020, 05:20 pm
Last modified: 27 February, 2020, 05:24 pm
The coronavirus outbreak has infected roughly 78,500 people in China, with 2,744 fatalities
A staff member wearing a face mask installs plastic shield inside a vehicle at a service centre of car-hailing service Didi Chuxing, as the country is hit by an outbreak of the new coronavirus, in Beijing, China February 27, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

As Wang Xiurong drives passengers around the Chinese capital amid the coronovirus outbreak, she has an added layer of protection: a plastic sheet separating her from her passengers.

Wang had the sheet installed last week as part of a campaign by Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing, which says it is installing between 100 and 200 shields per day in Beijing at no charge to the drivers. The company also said it provides plastic gloves, face masks, and other protective gear to drivers.

During the outbreak, Wang, 43, said on Thursday that she still drives her white Toyota Corolla for 8 to 10 hours every day and disinfects it every four hours.

The coronavirus outbreak has infected roughly 78,500 people in China, with 2,744 fatalities.

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