Glasgow taxi drivers in ’utter shock’ as cabbies die and several remain ’very ill’ from COVID-19

Taxi owners in Glasgow have been left in 'utter shock' after news of illnesses and multiple deaths in the industry caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Glasgow Taxi Owners‘ Association (GTOA) said that several drivers in the city remain ’very ill’ and ’more than one’ of the Glasgow fleet of drivers has passed away from the deadly virus.

In the statement made by the group on social media, the GTOA also encouraged other drivers to ’stay safe’ during the pandemic.

The GTOA wrote on Facebook saying: “We are in utter shock after hearing that there are several Glasgow cabbies very ill at the moment with the Covid-19 virus. Sadly more than one have now passed away.

“Glasgow cabbies are a close knit community and this is absolutely heart breaking and frightening.

“We would like to send strength and best wishes to those trying to get well. To the drivers that have lost their lives we are so very sorry and would like to pass on our thoughts and prayers to their loved ones.

“Please try to stay safe fellow cabbies.”

There are approximately 1,400 licensed taxis in Glasgow and a further 4,000 private hire drivers working in the Scottish city.

According to a poll conducted by the UK’s biggest taxi news resource, TaxiPoint, one in five taxi drivers around the UK remain working during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Image credit: Ross Campbell