Amid virus, Chinese ride-sharing cars install added layer of protection

(This February 27 story corrects to show that installations take place at each of 46 sites in Beijing, not overall in Beijing.)

BEIJING (Reuters) – As Wang Xiurong drives passengers around the Chinese capital amid the coronovirus outbreak, she has an added layer of protection: a plastic sheet separating her from her passengers.

Wang had the sheet installed last week as part of a campaign by Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing, which says it is installing between 100 and 200 shields per day at each of 46 locations in Beijing at no charge to the drivers. The company also said it provides plastic gloves, face masks, and other protective gear to drivers.

During the outbreak, Wang, 43, said on Thursday that she still drives her white Toyota Corolla for 8 to 10 hours every day and disinfects it every four hours.

The coronavirus outbreak has infected roughly 78,500 people in China, with 2,744 fatalities.

(Reporting by Thomas Suen and Tony Munroe; Editing by Hugh Lawson)