Taxi and private hire drivers have been instructed not to pick up passengers who aren’t wearing face masks.

The move comes as the island prepares to enter a 21.day circuit breaker lockdown from midnight tonight.

Chief Miniister Howard Quayle said residents were advised to wear face coverings in public and this would be compulsory on public transport.

Now the Road Transport Licensing Committee has given guidance to all taxi operators.

It says: ‘ All taxi and private hire drivers are recommended not to pick up customers who are not wearing face coverings throughout the period of imminent lockdown.’