This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
Uber to Protect Drivers and Couriers with Free Masks and Hygiene Kits ¶
As cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, Uber is taking unprecedented measures to help everyone stay safe and healthy, every time they use the app.
Starting from May 18, Uber drivers and couriers in Kenya will receive free face masks and hygiene kits as part of the company's efforts to protect them and their passengers from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Uber has allocated $50 million globally to help provide drivers and couriers with access to protective equipment, cleaning, and sanitizing supplies.
According to Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, the company has been urging people to stay home for their safety and the safety of drivers who continue to make essential trips. Now, as cities reopen, Uber is taking measures to help everyone stay safe and healthy.
Before drivers and couriers 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 or courier who is not wearing a mask or other face covering will not be able to go online.
Additionally, drivers will be asked to confirm they've taken additional safety measures such as regularly sanitizing their car and making hand sanitizer available for their riders. 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, May 18, and will stay in effect until the end of June, when they will be reviewed based on the latest official health guidance.
Other safety measures announced by Uber include a safety checklist for couriers, free cancellations for safety concerns, a new health and hygiene feedback system, and safety education materials.
Uber has also provided public health information in its apps, introduced contactless delivery on Uber Eats, and provided financial assistance to active drivers and couriers diagnosed with COVID-19 or those having to self-isolate.
The company has also partnered with Zydii and rescue.co to launch a free SMS-based driver education programme aimed at providing tips on preventing infection with COVID-19 while traveling with passengers.
Uber has also partnered with Unilever to provide hygiene kits to drivers and couriers in the UK, which will include Cif (Jif) Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Spray and Lifebuoy alcohol-based hand gel, among other items.
