With the contagious H1N1 influenza spreading panic in the city, taxi unions have started issuing guidelines to drivers on precautions to be taken. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has also decided to provide masks to conductors and drivers.

City Taxi Union president Mushtaq Qureshi said it had organised an informal session with some taxi drivers on Monday to educate them about the disease. “We didn’t want to spread panic, but we need to take precautions. We spoke to some taxi drivers, educating them about swine flu, how it spreads and its symptoms, etc.”

The city’s largest union, Mumbai Taximen’s Union, also plans to issue guidelines to cabbies. “We’re now looking to issue guidelines as the flu is spreading fast. First, we need to make them understand what the disease is. So far, we’ve not asked them to wear masks, but few of them do tie their handkerchiefs around their face,” said general secretary A L Quadros.

Quadros said cabbies are at risk of contracting the disease as they ferry many patients to hospitals. “But we cannot take any drastic step as it will be harmful to both drivers and passengers. We will continue to monitor the situation and decide on further steps to be taken... The government should come out with some guidelines for public transport operators. It will help everybody to know what to do.”

The BEST committee on Tuesday decided to provide masks to employees after the issue was raised at its meeting. “Our drivers and conductors are at risk as they come into contact with so many passengers every day,” said Sunil Ganacharya, a representative of the workers.

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