Didi Chuxing, one of China's leading ride-hailing platforms, has set a January 20 deadline to complete the coronavirus vaccination of its entire Beijing fleet, a person with the company has said.
Contact-Beijing DHome Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.-Provide brands for high-quality supply chain manufacturers, provide stable production orders, improve industry competitiveness. Detailed and high-resolution maps of Beijing, China for free download. Travel guide to touristic destinations, museums and architecture in Beijing.
'We have organized for all drivers in Beijing to receive COVID vaccines starting on January 13. The vaccination is expected to be completed within a week,' a spokesperson in Didi's Global Communication Department told CGTN in an email.
'Drivers who haven't received the vaccines will need to provide a 7-day valid negative nucleic acid test certificate to be able to take orders on the platforms.'
The move comes on the heels of recent reports that several of the company's drivers tested positive for the coronavirus and a subsequent fine of 1.07 million yuan (about $165,240) from the Beijing authorities was imposed for failing to adequately implement epidemic prevention and control measures.
Didi was fined for 96 safety violations. Meanwhile, its budget ride-hailing app Huaxiaozhu, or Flower Piggy, received a 340,000 yuan fine for 12 violations.
Beijing officials on Sunday issued extended measures for the ride-sharing sector, including requiring drivers to check their temperature at regular intervals, providing negative nucleic acid test certificates to work and getting the COVID-19 vaccination.
Liu Keyou is a taxi driver for Beijing's Shou Qi Group. The 50-year-old man has been in the profession for over 15 years. He is also one of his company's first drivers to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
'I got my first shot on January 12. I wasn't worried about it at all. I really looked forward to getting a shot earlier because it will protect me, my family and my colleagues. It's also one of the best ways to curb the spread of the virus,' said Liu.
Beijing Driver Download Pc
Liu said the medical staff at the vaccination site asked him questions about his health condition, age and medical history. Like others who have received the vaccine, Liu said he and his colleagues were asked to stay back at the site for 30 minutes after the shot to watch for any adverse reactions.
'Right after receiving the vaccine, my arm hurt a little. I went to work later that day. My arm still felt a bit painful in the evening. But these symptoms were all gone the next morning. Maybe it differs from person to person,' Liu added, saying he feels all good.
Liu has gone back to work after getting the shot. His profile presenting on users' ride-hailing app suggests he has been vaccinated.
'I feel safer when I come into contact with passengers,' he added.
'About 80 percent of the drivers in our fleet have taken their first shot,' said Liu Lu, chief driver of Shou Qi Group's 14th Fleet, adding they will arrange the second injection for them soon.
Beijing Driver Download Free
Some drivers haven't been vaccinated due to their age and health conditions, Liu explained.
Inoculated or not, Shou Qi Group requires all its drivers to provide nucleic acid test results every seven days in order to prevent a further outbreak.
Additionally, drivers need to completely disinfect their car whenever they head out.
Beijing Driver Download Full
One perk of these prevention measures lies on passengers. 'I feel safer when I know the driver has been vaccinated. It can protect both passengers and the driver,' one of Liu's passengers told CGTN.
Much like Liu, his passengers believe vaccinating is the best way to curb the pandemic. All of them hope it can be brought to an end sooner rather than later.