SINGAPORE: H1N1 flu concerns have taken their toll on some businesses, especially those which require staff to come in close contact with customers.

Business at some massage parlours has gone down by between 20 and 30 per cent. As the number of H1N1 flu cases rises, it seems a massage is the last thing on people's minds.

Costs have also gone up, as operators stock up on disinfectants. Some operators are also turning away customers who show symptoms of the flu.

However, taxi drivers say they cannot afford to be picky. And despite worries of infection, they would rather not wear masks to avoid alarming passengers.

Secretary of TransCab Operators' Association, Patrick Teo said: "We will try to protect the customers - to clean up the car, especially the handles, the interiors... After the customer (alights from the taxi), we make sure we wind down the windows."

- CNA/yt