Uber makes face coverings mandatory for passengers and drivers

Drivers must take selfie to prove they're wearing mask

Uber passengers must wear face masks (iStock)

Uber is making face coverings mandatory for all passengers from 15 June.

The cab hailing service will also require drivers to wear face masks.

In London, drivers will have to share a selfie showing they are wearing a face covering before they start a shift, a measure that the company is considering rolling out across the UK.

Uber is using object recognition technology to determine whether or not drivers are wearing face coverings – those who aren’t will be unable to get online.

Drivers will be able to cancel a trip without a penalty if a rider isn’t wearing a face covering, and vice versa.

There’s also a new option to provide coronavirus-related feedback in the app, including if a passenger or driver is not wearing a face covering.

Drivers are being advised to take extra hygiene measures, such as sanitising their cars and washing their hands regularly.

Passengers will be reminded to take precautions including washing their hands, sitting in the back seat and rolling down the window to allow air to circulate.

“For months we’ve been urging people to stay home, for their safety and the safety of drivers who make essential trips,” said Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe.

“Now, as cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, we’re taking measures to help everyone stay safe and healthy every time they use Uber.

“We’ve introduced measures to ensure that every driver can access the PPE they need for free to help keep them safe when driving with Uber, and from Monday, we will require anyone using the Uber app in the UK to wear a face covering.”

The ride hailing app has previously distributed 54,000 units of cleaning spray and hand sanitisers to workers, plus more than two million masks to drivers and couriers in the UK.