The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our daily lives, including how we commute. Carpooling and ridesharing have become popular alternatives to public transportation during the pandemic. However, with the pandemic still ongoing, it is essential to take safety and health measures while carpooling or ridesharing. In this article, we will discuss how to carpool and rideshare during the pandemic while ensuring the safety and health of all passengers.
Understand the Risks Involved
Before you decide to carpool or rideshare, you should understand the risks involved. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that close contact with others, including those in a car, can spread COVID-19. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended safety and health measures to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.
Choose Your Carpool or Rideshare Partners
Choosing the right carpool or rideshare partner is crucial. You should prioritize people you know, such as family members or close friends, as they may have similar hygiene practices as you. You could also consider joining a carpool or rideshare program with a company that follows strict adherence to safety protocols.
Follow Hygiene Practices
Several hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during carpools or rideshares. These include:
Wear Masks
Wearing a mask is a must during the pandemic. All passengers in a car should wear masks. Masks can help prevent droplets from spreading through the air and onto surfaces.
Sanitize Hands
Before entering the car, sanitize your hands using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You should also carry an extra bottle of sanitizer in case you need to sanitize your hands while in the car.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
The surfaces in a car can harbor germs, including the COVID-19 virus. You should clean and disinfect surfaces such as door handles, seat belts, and armrests before and after each carpool or rideshare.
Maintain Safe Distance
Maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from others. It is essential to sit in the back seat diagonally opposite to the driver to maximize the physical distance between all passengers.
Avoid Sharing Items
Avoid sharing items such as food or drinks, phones, and other personal items. You should also avoid having more than one passenger in the front seat of the car to minimize the risk of close contact.
Contact Tracing
In the event that a passenger who participated in a carpool or rideshare becomes sick with COVID-19, it is essential to conduct contact tracing. All passengers should share their contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, to track who may have been exposed to the virus. If a passenger tests positive, all other passengers should seek immediate medical attention and self-quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Conclusion
Carpooling and ridesharing can help reduce traffic congestion, minimize emissions, and save money. However, safety and health measures should be a top priority when carpooling or ridesharing during the pandemic. By following hygiene practices, choosing safe carpool or rideshare partners, and practicing contact tracing, we can all help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while commuting.