Mask on.
Uber intends to require its drivers and riders to wear face masks or face coverings when using the rideshare business, according to CNN Business.
The face mask policy comes in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, and the plan may rollout in certain countries sooner than we know, including the United States. The policy, which executives approved in a recent meeting, is planned to go into effect in the coming weeks.
Albeit unannounced as of yet, a source said Uber has already started developing technology to detect if drivers are wearing masks or face coverings before going online and accepting rides. In tandem with exploring the policy and its technologies, Uber has also been looking into other ways to hold riders accountable as well.
"As countries reopen, Uber is focused on safety and proceeding with caution,” said Uber's head of safety communications Andrew Hasbun told CNN Business. “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.”
Uber isn’t the travel business making such policy changes. In the past week, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines are also expected to require passengers to wear face masks.
CNN Business reports Uber began shipping ear-loop face masks and disinfectant spray to its drivers and delivery workers back in April. However, with personal protective equipment being in such limited supply as healthcare workers take priority, Uber is prioritizing getting masks to its active drivers in cities and states, with requested drivers being requested to wear face coverings.
In closing, Hasbun told CNN Business in a statement: ”We'll communicate updates directly to users when ready, but in the meantime we continue to urge all riders and drivers to wear masks or face coverings when using Uber."
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