Uber is planning a new policy that mandates drivers and riders in the US and some other countries wear a face mask or facial covering during rides.
CNN also reports that the ride-hailing company is developing technology to detect its driver’s use of the face masks before they accept trips.
“As countries reopen, Uber is focused on safety and proceeding with caution. Our teams are preparing for the next phase of recovery, where we will all have a role to play.
“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,” the company’s head of safety communications Andrew Hasbun said in a statement.
Last month, Uber said it started shipping face masks to drivers and delivery workers. The company also pledged to purchase and ship ear-loop face masks to its workers globally.
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The company added that due to the limited supplies, health care workers would be its priority and that it may take some time to get to drivers. In the US, Uber is, however, prioritizing shipping the masks to active drivers in cities.
It will also ship units to drivers in states that have requested drivers wear face coverings.
The Information reported in April that Uber was considering laying off about 20 percent of its employees. However, the company has not said anything regarding the situation.
The company recently changed its COVID-19 sick policy after some of its drivers filed a lawsuit. The new policy makes it easier for drivers to get financial assistance in the event of contracting the virus.
In addition, the drivers will not need a doctor’s note or documentation to get such financial assistance.
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