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

A driver wearing a face mask looks on as a staff member installs plastic shield inside a vehicle at a service centre of car-hailing service Didi Chuxing, as the country is hit by an outbreak of the new coronavirus, in Beijing, China February 27, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

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 in Beijing at no charge to the drivers. The company also said it provides plastic gloves, face masks, and other protective gear to drivers.