Taxi Drivers Praised for The Crucial Role They’ve Played During the Pandemic

A local cab service near me and private hire drivers have been commended for the pivotal role that they have been playing during the pandemic.

Councillor Ian O’Brien, Head of Bury Council, stated: “Our taxi and private hire sector play a crucial role in transporting people around the area and over the past 12 months they have been a vital link for vulnerable people to be able to reach crucial services.

“However being on the frontline does put drivers, alongside other key workers, at a greater risk of catching the virus.

“It is therefore extremely important that everyone gets the vaccine when they get called forward to do so, especially all amazing our taxi drivers.

“I would like to personally thank all our volunteers, our friends in the Primary Care Networks, Bury CCG, the North Care Alliance, Fairfield Hospital and Public Health for their tireless work in vaccinating so many people and arranging vaccination sessions for all key workers.”

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Deputy Leader of the Council backed up the leader’s call.

He said: “With over 100,000 people vaccinated in the borough there is amazing progress being made.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure we vaccinate everyone who is eligible as fast as possible and ensure maximum protection for the most vulnerable by bringing forward their second doses.

“We have seen growing rates in neighbouring boroughs, and it is vital that we all do what we can to protect ourselves and everyone else.

“We urge everyone to continue to be extra cautious: keeping their contact numbers to a minimum, remembering that meeting outside is much safer than inside, and being extra vigilant and carry on wearing face masks, washing hands, 2 metre social distancing and ventilation.”

Adal Raja, Chair of Bury Private Hire Drivers Association, said: “My message to everyone is that you should book your vaccine as soon as possible.

“Every taxi driver should have the vaccine not only for themselves, but their customers and their families.

“Everybody should continue to follow the government guidelines and have your injection so that we can finally get rid of Covid.”