Taxi drivers should get the Covid-19 jab because of the high-risk nature of the job, the head of the industry’s trade association said yesterday.

David Frost, the president of the Bermuda Taxi Operators Association, added that a high number of drivers had already been vaccinated – but that he wanted to see more.

Mr Frost said: “It is a high-risk job. We are the ones picking up people from the airport and off the streets.

“We are the ones coming into contact with these people.”

Mr Frost highlighted that some taxi drivers had come down with Covid-19.

He was speaking after health officials appealed to the association for members and their families to get the vaccination.

Mr Frost said: “We do have strict protocols in place and we are asking our drivers to use those protocols.”

He added taxi drivers had to wear masks when passengers were on board and that fares must also wear a face covering.

Passengers are not allowed to sit in the front seat cabs and windows must be open.

Mr Frost said that drivers were told to sanitise their hands often and had been taught how to properly disinfect vehicles and handle luggage.

Taxi drivers interested in getting the vaccine should contact their BTOA sub-committee representative.