Taking an Uber? The app has new COVID-19 policies

When local Uber drivers pull out their phones Monday to accept a rider or deliver a meal, they’ll have to take a selfie to prove they’re wearing a face covering.

Uber announced Wednesday it’s using in-app technology to verify drivers have a mask on and is requiring riders to wear thems, too. The new rules come after the platform encouraged app users to stay at home the last two months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People are starting to turn to Uber once again,” said CEO Dara Khosrowshahi during a Zoom call with reporters on Wednesday.

The company’s senior director of project management, Sachin Kansal, said the latest policies do not encourage people to leave their homes. Rather, they ensure those who need to use the app stay safe.

In Florida, malls, restaurants and salons have all been given the green light to reopen — though with rules in place that require social distancing and limits on capacity. But even as the state reopens, it’s not as if Uber has been slammed with customers. Many drivers who relied on the app for income have filed for unemployment or shifted to grocery and meal delivery.

But Kansal said the app needs to “prepare for the new normal.”

Kansal said Uber used technology it had developed to verify drivers were using the account to which they were registered to create the mask verification program. A driver cannot accept a rider without proving a mask is on their face and checking off other safety reminders.

Riders do not have to use a photo to prove they have a mask on, but drivers are given an in-app option to cancel a trip if a user is not wearing one. Drivers can also rate riders low and note if they do not wear a mask or take it off mid-way through the drive. Riders can leave a bad review for the same reasons.

Kansal said repeat offenders could be removed from the platform.

“What’s most important to us is the accountability on both sides,” he said.

Riders can no longer sit in the front seat and cars are limited to one fewer than a ride typically allows. That means an “UberX” ride will only allow three passengers. Uber says it also encourages riders to open the back windows for air flow at the recommendation from experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization.

Uber Eats drivers, who deliver meals from restaurants, also are required to prove they have masks on.

Uber says it has spent $50 million securing masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes that drivers can get from the company for free.

Kansal said while the company is not supplying drivers with plexiglass partitions — like those seen in Taxis — drivers are free to install such barriers themselves.

• • •

Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage

GET THE DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information, six days a week

WHAT’S OPEN?: This list includes local establishments doing business in various ways.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS: The updated database of Tampa Bay restaurants open for dine-in or takeout

Keep up with Tampa Bay’s top headlines

Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter

We’ll deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning.

Loading...

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

UNEMPLOYMENT Q&A: We answer your questions about Florida unemployment benefits

BRIGHT SPOTS IN DARK TIMES: The world is hard right now, but there’s still good news out there

LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters

HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO COVID-19?: Help us remember them

HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips

We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.