Sweden's "corona cabbies" in testing driving seat
Swedish taxi driver Lars-Goran Goransson has been picking up some unusual fares over recent months, working as one of 1,000 “corona cabbies” around Stockholm.
Instead of taking passengers where they want to go in the city, he’s been collecting and delivering COVID-19 test swabs between homes and laboratory collection points in the Swedish capital.
He admits it has taken some time to adapt.
"Yes, I'm nervous...but I think it's more risky to go to the store and buy groceries or take public transport, so I think this is a safe way to do your work."
Since the pandemic began, private hire taxi firms have home-delivered and collected more than a quarter of a million tests, effectively putting cab drivers behind the wheel of Stockholm's testing regime.
Usually, people get their result within 24 hours of a visit from a "corona cabby," whom they may not even see as the pick-up aims to avoid close contact.
Sweden drew attention early on in the coronavirus crisis for its decision not to impose lockdown measures, but it has since brought in new rules to slow the spread.
It has thrown struggling cabbies a financial lifeline during the pandemic, allowing drivers to stay afloat until the time when people, rather than swabs, become their main passengers once again.
