The latest guidance issued to the local taxi and private hire industry has been put together in consultation with Public Health Services, which is studying the data relating to each positive test result, including contact tracing to find out potential carriers of the virus.

The latest guidance suggests passengers arriving into Guernsey Airport on essential journeys should use their own vehicle wherever possible for onward travel to their home address, where they then have to stay for the mandatory 14-day period of self-isolation.

If a traveller can't use their own vehicle, a friend or family member may collect them, but they must observe social distancing advice at all times and clean the vehicle after use.

The only time when a taxi should be used is when there is no alternative for passengers needing to get home from the Airport.

If a taxi has to be used, then the passenger arriving into Guernsey should be taken directly to their place of residence, and they should not stop at a shop or anywhere else on the way.

Taxis are only allowed to carry one passenger per journey, unless it is a returning couple or family traveling together and they are going to one place to self-isolate together.

Social distancing advice should be observed at all times between the driver and the passenger(s) and all taxis must be thoroughly cleaned after each journey using appropriate cleaning products and materials.

It has also been decided that the Airport Taxi Rank is closed to general business for now, with immediate effect, so that Guernsey Airport staff can manage arriving passengers safely and quickly.

The Airport bus stop will also only be used to drop off passengers, with no buses picking up passengers from the airport. 

Pictured: Guernsey's buses are only dropping passengers off at the airport at the moment, not picking any up. 

Any passengers needing to book a taxi home from the airport, has to book through Island Taxis, which is coordinating all airport transfers to self-isolating premises only. Taxis can be booked by calling (01481) 700500 or by email: islandtaxisltd@cwgsy.net 

Departing passengers can still be dropped off at the Airport forecourt by taxi or private hire if they are unable to make alternative arrangements.

Director of Traffic and Highway Services, Karl Guille said:

“Given that all returning Airport transfers need to self-isolate for 14 days, it made sense to co-ordinate this work through a single taxi operator working to an agreed policy.

"More generally, all taxi drivers have been asked to decide if a fare is essential and in compliance with the latest guidance that has been issued by Public Health Services. For example, journeys should primarily be limited to key worker travel and passengers seeking to attend or return from medical appointments either on or off island. Anyone feeling unwell or displaying flu-like symptoms will not be transported and taxi drivers have the right to decline the fare.”