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In times of Covid-19, many Singaporeans are understandably more cautious about sharing an enclosed space with others.

But a pregnant woman who made a request to wind down the car windows for ventilation during a Grab ride was rejected by the driver.

The incident happened on Mar. 3 at around 2pm, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Request to wind down windows

Speaking to the Chinese newspaper, the 32-year-old pregnant woman, who only wished to be known by her surname, Fan, said that she felt unwell that afternoon and so she booked a Grab ride from Punggol and was on her way to Gleneagles Hospital with her husband.

After boarding the car, she immediately requested the driver to wind down the car windows so that it is more ventilated.

The driver did not respond and so she made the request again, Fan told Shin Min.

The driver then assured her saying that the car has been disinfected and if the windows are wound down, dust entering from the road will affect the subsequent passengers' experience.

Cancels the ride after lady winds down the window next to her

The pregnant woman then decided to just wind down the window near her seat.

In response, the driver told her that he did not want to continue the ride anymore and sent her back to the pick-up point in Punggol.

The lady said they had travelled about 800m when that happened.

She added that she remained agreeable and polite because she was feeling unwell and did not want to provoke the driver.

Receives refund and investigations ongoing

Despite feeling upset, she did not reflect her displeasure immediately but informed Grab afterwards about the incident.

She received a refund of S$18 that evening and Grab told her that they will investigate the matter.

Fan added that since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, she has taken about 15 rides for check-ups or run errands.

She mentioned that she has also met drivers that were more considerate and would even ask if they need to slow down, knowing that she's pregnant.

While the drivers are wearing a mask, she finds that winding down the window will be an added precautionary measure.

A Grab spokesperson confirmed the case with Mothership.sg and said that investigations are ongoing.

The spokesperson added that users' well-being is "of utmost priority" and they expect "all users on our platform to treat one another with respect and kindness".

Precautionary measures taken by Grab

In view of the Covid-19 outbreak, Grab has stepped up precautionary measures which include frequent disinfection and winding down car windows after each ride as well as halting the GrabShare service temporarily.

Top photos via Pixabay and taken by Zheng Zhangxin