Uber will not allow drivers, riders without masks

Uber has made it mandatory for drivers and passengers to wear masks as a part of new health and safety protocols that have been put in place to instill confidence in people as they emerge from lockdowns across the world.

This new policy comes into effect from Monday and drivers in many of Uber’s markets will have to take selfies to prove that they are wearing masks before going online. Uber is also going to give both drivers and riders an option to cancel the booking if the other party is not wearing a mask.

"As cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, Uber is proceeding with caution and safety top of mind," chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said.

"We will all have a role to play to help each other stay healthy when traveling,” he added.

Uber is looking to emerge from the massive slump it has faced across markets globally and this announcement falls in line with them trying to make up some of the losses once lockdowns ease. 

The company has said they are committing an additional $50 million to buying masks and sanitising supplies and will also be updating their app with tools for drivers and riders.

Uber has also said that it will no longer let passengers sit in the front seats and will reduce the number of passengers per vehicle to three. The company has already suspended its car-pool services.

Uber drivers in the United States, Canada, India and most of Europe and Latin America will not be allowed online if they are not wearing a face cover, the company has said.

This new policy will be in place till the end of June and then be reviewed based on situational needs. "Drivers and riders who repeatedly violate mask policies risk losing access to Uber," Khosrowshahi said.