Rules/views on lift sharing (England) and am I wrong to insist on a mask?

[Chestergirl39]

Was supposed to be getting a taxi to a restaurant for a meal this weekend with dh and 2 friends. Have now decided to drive. Friends have asked for a lift, and dh thinks it’s fine. I tentatively agreed but wasn’t sure, eventually said ok as long as we all wear masks. I am now being ridiculed for this with everyone thinking I’m neurotic. Journey is 10 mins. What are rules on lift shares? Am I being neurotic?

I’d insist on mask and windows open. Unless you are going to be sat 2m from them in the restaurant that’s the much higher risk surely as no mask or distancing.

Those that think you're neurotic could perhaps make their own way there... if you're required to wear them in taxis then I don't see the difference.
I don't think anyone should be mocked for setting their own comfort level wrt to this situation.

It’s not against the current rules but it really isn’t advisable to be in such a confined space with people from three separate households. If you weren’t comfortable with the taxis why is this ok?

Car sharing

You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or support bubble. If you need to do this, try to:

• share the transport with the same people each time
• keep to small groups of up to 6 people at any one time
• open windows for ventilation
• travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow
• face away from each other
• consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
• clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products - make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch
• ask the driver and passengers to wear a face covering

www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#private-cars-and-other-vehicles

“It’s not against the current rules but it really isn’t advisable to be in such a confined space with people from three separate households. If you weren’t comfortable with the taxis why is this ok”

It’s 2 different households.

I was against the taxi because I presumed that taxi would be ferrying people around all day, therefore having more exposure to potential infection, therefore increasing our chances of having to self isolate if any of those he’d taken that day or 2 days before had tested positive.

I agree with the close contact, which is why we decided to drive. I feel car is more confined than restaurant with high ceiling that you can spread out in, but obvs still some risk.

Bit awkward re lift sharing, as friends obviously are less risk adverse than me. Dh dithering as not wanting to offend or look neurotic.

I don’t think you would be told to self isolate if someone who had travelled in your taxi earlier in the day tested positive, maybe the driver but I get your point about increased risk.

I just wouldn't give a lift to anyone outside of my household at the mo.

I wouldn't be out with other households (not criticising you though), but if I were in your position, masks, windows open and hand sanitizer. I would say to them you're not comfortable doing otherwise - if they're true friends they'll understand. Numbers are starting to escalate, so we all need to pull together and look after eachother.

Dont bother going. Why risk it.

Yes, masks on and windows open. It's what my son's driving instructor does.

Windows open is the best defence.
Passengers keeping more space in the back.
Masks are the weakest defence.

I'd rather car share with the friends that I am meeting than use public transport or a taxi.

Given your user name then it depends on the status of lock down in your area. Lift sharing is banned in many places, advice was to avoid of at least wear a mask and open windows in non restricted last i knew

Thanks! Don’t live there now 😀. We are not in local lockdown (yet), cases are rising but not massively. Still would rather err on the cautious side though.

I picked up DS from the train station yesterday. 15 minutes drive.

We both wore masks and windows were open.

I did let him sit in the front seat though.

YANBU OP.

I think taxis are fine. Drivers wear masks and most taxis either have proper screens between the front and back rows of seats, or they have clear plastic sheeting up as a divider instead.

Which has been implemented since March

I’m not a lover of the mask but I would wear one if I was giving someone a lift or they were giving me one

If I understand correctly, when you were going to get a taxi it would be just you and DH, you decided that was too risky so you would drive instead and then these friends asked for a lift?

Honestly, I'd just ask them to make their own way there.

I would decline the lift on that basis...its your car so your call but I would make other arrangements.

You doing them the favour of a lift means they STFU if you want to follow govt advice on SD and masks

If your friends have joined your OH in "ridiculing" you, then I'd cancel the lift offer

Yep, your car, your rules. Basic premise all lift-askers should abide to

@Frappuccinofan

Yep, your car, your rules. Basic premise all lift-askers should abide to

Yes, this is no-brainer as far I'm concerned, even without covid. The driver/car owner gets to set the rules. (I am a non-driver.)