[*StarDust*]

Some businesses see drop in customers due to H1N1 concerns

By Kheng Siong/ Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 02 July 2009 2059 hrs

SINGAPORE: H1N1 flu concerns have taken their toll on some businesses, especially those which require staff to come in close contact with customers.



Business at some massage parlours has gone down by between 20 and 30 per cent. As the number of H1N1 flu cases rises, it seems a massage is the last thing on people's minds.

Costs have also gone up, as operators stock up on disinfectants. Some operators are also turning away customers who show symptoms of the flu.

However, taxi drivers say they cannot afford to be picky. And despite worries of infection, they would rather not wear masks to avoid alarming passengers.

Secretary of TransCab Operators' Association, Patrick Teo said: "We will try to protect the customers - to clean up the car, especially the handles, the interiors... After the customer (alights from the taxi), we make sure we wind down the windows."

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...440014/1/.html

[DevilH]

This thing can't be helped. It's similar to the Sars period. Economy being affected. Great intiative by the Cab Company to keep the taxis clean and safe for the next passengers.

[cute wormz]

i doubt most taxi-driver will take the initiative to clean up their vehicle..

[christmas_]

dont think the taxi drivers will care so much ... they only care about business since it is going downhill as there are too many taxis and too little customers

[ZhouXingXing]

i even saw a cab driver wear mask while driving OMG