Executives at the global rideshare giant have approved a new policy to coincide with restarting its business in the coronavirus era. CNN Business reports “Uber plans to require drivers and riders to wear face masks or face coverings when using the platform in certain countries, including the United States.”
A person familiar with the matter claims executives approved new measures in a meeting this past week. Additionally, the policy will include a technology to “detect if drivers are wearing masks or face coverings before they go online and start accepting trips.” The technology is reportedly in development and will accompany the “Real-Time ID-Check” Uber already uses to identify drivers with face verification. The person said Uber wants to figure out how to hold riders accountable for wearing face coverings as well.
In April Uber announced it began shipping masks to its drivers and uber delivery drivers as well as disinfectant spray. The company said “it would purchase and ship tens of millions of ear-loop face masks to its global workers. However, it noted that, because supplies are limited and health care workers take priority, this may take some time to get to drivers” says CNN Business.
Regardless of whether drivers received masks from their company, they will be required to wear face masks or a bandana. Uber’s head of safety communications Andrew Hasbun said in a statement: “As countries reopen, Uber is focused on safety and proceeding with caution. Today, we continue to ask riders to stay home if they can, while shipping safety supplies to drivers who are providing essential trips. At the same time, our teams are preparing for the next phase of recovery, where we will all have a role to play.”
CNN Business noted other travel companies are making similar mandates. “This past week, JetBlue (JBLU), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and American Airlines (AAL), all of which have been hurt badly by the pandemic, said passengers would soon be required to wear masks.”
New York University epidemiology professor Robyn Gershon said due to how easily the virus is spread, particularly in vehicles, “absolutely positively everyone should be wearing a mask” or face cover. Gershon also suggested drivers disinfect the vehicle after every ride and “really likes the idea” of plastic barriers between drivers and passengers.
