UPDATED 23:30 EDT / MAY 13 2020

APPS

Uber announces new rules during COVID-19 pandemic

Uber Technologies Inc. said today that new measures will be put in place for drivers and passengers as the world tackles the coronavirus pandemic.

The company said that during the lockdown, it has been creating new products in line with the “new normal” when people are once again going to work and going about their daily routines. First and foremost, said Uber, starting May 18, only three passengers – rather than four – will be allowed in each vehicle.

That measure is in line with social distancing, though it’s supposed to protect the driver, not the passengers. Sachin Kansal, Uber’s head of safety, said in a video conference that no one will be allowed to sit in the front seat, adding that members of the same household are likely to fill the backseat and they have already been living close together.

In a blog post, Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said that the company has created a “Go Online Checklist.” The checklist will mean drivers have to take a selfie before they pick people up and that will verify if they are wearing a mask or not. Once they receive a message that confirms they are wearing a mask, they can make the trip.

“In the United States, Canada, India and most of Europe and Latin America, drivers who are not wearing a mask or face cover will not be able to go online beginning next Monday, May 18,” said Khosrowshahi. “We will maintain this policy through the end of June, and then reassess based on local public health needs. We’ve designed this feature to adapt to changing public health guidance and regulations as the pandemic evolves.”

Riders will also have to confirm in the app that they too are wearing a mask and that they have washed their hands, although that seems to be based on trust. Riders will also have to open the windows of the car for better ventilation.

Uber said the new measures work both ways. If the driver sees that the passengers are not adhering to the rules it’s in his or her right to cancel the trip without incurring a penalty. The same goes for riders; if they feel unsafe, they can also cancel the trip. If drivers or riders are found violating the rules once too often, they may lose access to the app.

Moreover, the company said it has spent $50 million on the purchase of masks, disinfectant sprays, wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves and cleaning materials. These have already been sent to drivers’ homes, and in countries where the items couldn’t be shipped, Uber has reimbursed drivers who have bought them.

“During the first phase of the crisis, it’s been heartening to see our communities come together with a collective sense of responsibility,” said Khosrowshahi, “As we move into the new normal, it’s our goal to encourage this same sense of shared responsibility.”

Photo: Stock Catalog/Flickr

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