Uber's Face Mask Requirement Begins Today

Starting Monday, May 18, Uber is requiring all Uber drivers, delivery personnel, and riders to wear face masks. In addition to Uber’s face mask requirement, the company has also announced it will be rolling out a new user interface to ensure riders can stay healthy and safe while using the service.

What is Uber’s Face Mask Requirement?

The new requirements for drivers and riders isn’t the only change. There are several things that will be different the next time you go to call for a ride or delivery.

“It’s important to us that you know what to expect when you take that ‘second first trip,'” Uber officials stated. “Over the last two months, our tech and safety teams have been hard at work building a new product experience that will help protect everyone, every time they use Uber.” Here are the major changes…

You’ll need to stop and take a selfie before your ride request will be accepted. That’s right! You have to prove you’re wearing a face mask before your Uber driver will come to pick you up.
Any driver not wearing a face mask is not permitted to pick up riders after May 18.
Uber will ask you questions about your handwashing habits within the app.
Riders will be asked to agree to sit in the back seat and open windows for ventilation.
The suggested number of riders per car has been reduced to three from four.

Drivers have been mailed supplies, such as face masks, sanitizers, gloves, and other essential items directly to prepare for this change. Both riders and drivers are being encouraged to cancel trips if they feel their safety is at risk (i.e. a driver or rider refuses to follow protocol).

Uber says these changes will remain in effect through the end of June and possibly longer, depending on CDC recommendations.

In The COVID-19 Era, Plan Ahead

When it comes down to it, COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for many people to learn a valuable lesson in planning ahead. Most of us found ourselves ill-prepared for a global pandemic like this. That’s not surprising, considering the last time something like this happened. However, that means that each and every one of us can take notes from what we’ve experienced during this time so that we are financially and socially prepared.

Additionally, if you rely on services like Uber, it is important to have a plan in place for times like these. Not as many drivers are available and Uber may put even more drivers out of the game this week. Plan ahead and be sure you know what to do if you can’t lean on your normal day-to-day routine.

Readers, what do you think about Uber’s face mask requirement?

Amanda Blankenship

Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.