Unlock 1.0: Mumbai auto rickshaw drivers install isolation covers to prevent COVID spread

Maharashtra is one of the worst affected state in the country by COVID-19. As the state eases in the Lockdown 5.0 with several relaxations from Monday, thousands of masked men and women stepping out with their vehicles headed to their workplaces, creating traffic snarls at many locations. 

Among the several relaxations auto-rickshaws services are set to resume from Monday even as the COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the country.

Due to the increasing COVID-19 cases safety protocols while travelling in public transport as well as in cabs and auto-rickshaws should be taken care of. Especially in Mumbai which continues to be the epicentre of the COVID-19 in the country with the maximum number of cases. 

Keeping in mind the safety of the passengers and the drivers, auto-rickshaws have started installing the isolation covers which act as a partition between the passengers and the rickshaw driver. Mumbai based Vicky Nagpal produces and installs the isolation covers in auto rickshaws.

"We were already making these cover for cars. Now we are manufacturing it for auto rickshaws," Nagpal said.

"Auto rickshaw owners come to me and asked for some protection from COVID-19. We made this product for them," he added.