Around 100 taxi drivers protested in Algiers on Monday objecting over what they saw as “strict” measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic, announced by the government during the second phase of lifting the quarantine.
The protesters gathered in front of the national syndicate for taxis in Algeria, before later dispersing without incident.
A taxi driver told AFP that many sacrifices were made because of the pandemic, but today astonishment dominates amid these strict measures by the government.
Saeed, a taxi driver, told AFP that “we made many sacrifices because of the pandemic, and we are today astonished with the strict regulations imposed by the government.”
The government has allowed public transport to resume operation, but under tight restrictions, sparking fears among drivers over earning a living.
Some measures including placing a plastic barrier that separates the driver from the passengers, sanitizing the vehicle after each ride and transporting only one passenger per ride.
Karim, a father of five, said that the authorities must bear the costs of ensuring health measures in cabs. He added that he will not be able to make money if he had to spend it on plastic barriers, masks and sanitizers.
Since May 24, the government has made it mandatory for people wear face masks, even in cars. Violators will be fined.
Algeria has confirmed 11,031 virus cases, 7,735 recoveries and 777 deaths.
