A s governments begin to lift lockdowns, Uber is taking unprecedented safety measures to help everyone who uses its app stay safe and healthy.
From next week, all Uber riders, drivers in Nigeria 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 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 who is not wearing a mask or other face-covering will not be able to go online.
Drivers will also be asked to confirm they’ve taken additional safety measures such as regularly sanitizing 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.
These new safety measures will be introduced on Monday 18 May and stay in effect until the end of June, when they will be reviewed based on the latest official health guidance.
Uber is also today allocating $50 million globally to help provide drivers and couriers with access to the protective equipment, cleaning and sanitizing supplies they need to work more safely on the Uber app.
This includes purchasing and beginning to distribute more than 7 million masks, and over 350,000 units of sanitizing and cleaning supplies to drivers and couriers across Europe.
In addition, Uber will partner with consumer goods company Unilever to provide hygiene kits to drivers and couriers in the UK, with plans to expand to more countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa soon. The kits will include Cif (Jif) Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Spray and Lifebuoy alcohol-based hand gel, among other items.
Also, free cancellations for safety concerns: Drivers can cancel a ride without a penalty if a rider isn’t wearing a mask or face covering. Riders can do the same. These cancellations must be related to safety concerns, Uber’s Community Guidelines prohibit discrimination against anyone based on their race or perceived national origin.
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