Tips for Riding with Uber during COVID-19

As cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, Uber is proceeding with caution and safety top of mind. While exercising social distancing is a must, we will all have a role to play to help each other stay healthy when traveling. See some tips below on traveling with Uber.

1. Traveling terms: Practising social distancing remains critical to curb the spread of the coronavirus. That’s why non-essential traveling has been strongly discouraged. With the relaxation of travel restrictions, for those who do have to leave the house, Uber is available to take you where you need to go but in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, traveling in an Uber  or any private vehicle has been limited to  60% capacity.
2. Mask : All Uber riders, drivers and couriers will be required to wear a mask or face covering when taking a trip. As part of a new in-app safety checklist, before drivers and couriers go online, they will be asked to take a selfie to verify they are wearing a mask or face covering using new object recognition technology. Any driver or courier who is not wearing a mask or other face covering will not be able to go online.
3. Check list ready: Uber has also introduced a Safety Checklist which will require drivers to confirm that they’ve taken additional safety measures such as regularly sanitising their car and making hand sanitizer available for their riders. While riders will be required to take safety precautions like washing their hands before getting in the car, sitting in the backseat and opening windows for ventilation.
4. New feedback system: We have added new options for feedback in the Uber app, including if a rider or driver is not wearing a mask. Anyone who is repeatedly flagged for violating our new safety policies risks losing access to Uber’s apps.

Alon Lits, General Manager of Uber, Sub Saharan Africa, says, “Ensuring the health and safety of both drivers and riders is a core focus of ours at Uber and we will continue playing our part to best support those who make use of our services. As we navigate through these uncertain times, one thing that is certain is the spirit of unity. We are in this together.”

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