Pitkin County COVID-19 Operational Recommendations

Taxis, Limo, Shuttles & Rideshares

Effective August 15, 2020

These recommendations have been adapted from the requirements in Safer at Home: Field Services and Real Estate and updated by Pitkin County to assist taxi, limo, and shuttle (including hotel shuttle) operators with operating as safely as possible during the presence of COVID-19 in our community. These recommendations may be updated or changed to required guidelines as additional guidance is released from the State or additional findings become available.

General Guidance for Services

It is strongly recommended that those who are at higher-risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g. 60 years and older, chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised, severe obesity, diabetes, liver disease, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, etc.) use personal transportation. 

• Pitkin County Safer at Home Guidance for Older Adults
• Pitkin County Safer at Home Guidance for Higher Risk Individuals

Each transportation operator must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan.

5 Commitments of Containment

Sustainable social distancing protocols are critical to each phase of our planned reopening. To be successful, commitment to effective social distancing and hand washing is critical. Please be vigilant in protecting yourself, your family, your employees and your community by pledging to the 5 Commitments of Containment:

1. I will maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
2. I will wash my hands often.
3. I will cover my face in public.
4. I will stay home when I am sick.
5. I will get tested immediately if I have symptoms

5 Commitments of Containment signage promoting hygiene and social distancing should be posted in each vehicle.

Capacity Limits

• All vehicles should be limited to no more than 50% of normal operating capacity (as calculated by the number of seat belts) unless every passenger is a member of the same household.

Physical / social distancing

• Mark seating and space appropriately for social distancing. 
• Loading and unloading of the vehicle should minimize guest contact (i.e. loading at the back of the vehicle and move forward).
• Do not let passengers sit in the front seat.

Hygiene / Cleaning Practices

• Vehicle windows should be kept open at all times when transporting patrons.
• Clean and disinfect all vehicle surfaces including seats, windows and railings after each use.
• The owner of the vehicle should make hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol available in every vehicle and at all times.
• Follow CDPHE cleaning guidance and CDC Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces 
• Either have passengers load their own baggage or disinfect hands after each occasion to handle other people’s baggage.
• Avoid using recirculating air options on heating or cooling system.

Masks / Face Coverings

• Face coverings must be worn by staff and passengers except for children 2 years old and under, those with trouble breathing, or those unable to remove a mask without assistance. Those who cannot wear a mask are not well-suited to ridesharing at this time.

Stay Home When Sick / Get Tested if Symptomatic 

• Daily symptom screenings, including temperature checks, will be conducted for each employee to start the work day.  If this is not feasible, then employees will check for symptoms at home and report symptoms either electronically or on paper per the system created by the employer. Documentation of these symptom checks will be recorded.
• If employees exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms they should not come to the facility. Employees who develop COVID-19 symptoms while at work should immediately notify the facility supervisor and be separated from others and sent home.
• Employees who have had close contact with a person who has COVID-19 symptoms should be quarantined.
• Employees exhibiting symptoms should seek testing immediately per the guidance posted here. 
• Employers seeking information on outbreaks in the workplace should follow workplace outbreak guidelines.

Signage

• Post signs at entrances to places of employment regarding face coverings, reminding patrons of social distancing, proper hygiene and the 5 Commitments of Containment; post signage indicating your business has submitted a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan.                                                         

Distancing

• Consider installing plastic screens or plexiglass shields as a physical barrier between the driver and passenger in the back seat. Ensure that these barriers do not create any new safety hazards such as visual obstructions for the driver.

Tracing

• Keep a list of passengers and time of service with contact information for all trips.

Employer Responsibilities

• If an employee shares with you that they have tested positive for COVID, while protecting that individual’s privacy, you can let employees know that they may be contacted by contact tracers, and urge them to participate. For additional information, please call the Community Infoline at (970) 429-6186. Press 1-3-1 and leave a message. Our Contact Tracing Team will be in touch with you.
• For additional information, refer to the Employer/Employee Guidance. 

If additional guidance is needed, please send an email to businessliaison@pitkincounty.com.