Uber has dropped its mask requirements for drivers and riders in the U.S. as of 19APR, and will do the same in Canada on 22APR. The announcement comes a day after the a Florida judge struck down the mask mandate for travel in the U.S. on 18APR, which previously required mask use on public transportation such as planes, trains, and buses.
“You can now ride without a mask and use the front seat if you need to,” Uber (U.S.) said in a statement. “While mask usage is still recommended, we’ve updated our Covid Safety policies.”
The ride-sharing service further recommended to riders and drivers in the U.S. to “roll down the windows for extra airflow, sanitize your hands before and after trips or deliveries, and always cover your cough or sneeze.”
In Canada, Uber is ending the policy which was in place since MAY 2020 in an effort to reflect changing public health guidelines, reports the CBC. Ontario and B.C. ended their mask mandates for most public indoor spaces in MAR, while Alberta and Saskatchewan dropped theirs in FEB.
"As we move forward, and mask guidance and COVID-19 protocols continue to evolve, we're committed to maintaining policies that help everyone on our platform remain as safe as possible," Uber Canada said in a statement.
The ride-sharing company will still require masks in Quebec, which recently extended its mask mandate that was set to expire in mid-APR.
Uber Canada further clarified that individual drivers can still require passengers to wear masks in the vehicle, and can also cancel a trip if the passenger refuses. Riders can also cancel if they don't want to wear a mask, or if they do want to wear one but the driver does not. Riders can also message drivers in advance through the Uber app and ask them to wear a mask, a spokesperson said.
Uber had previously dropped mask mandates in Britain and the Netherlands, following local requirements, reports The Hill.
Fellow ride-sharing service Lyft also removed its mask mandate in the U.S. on 19APR. Lyft told CBC that it will continue requiring drivers and passengers in Canada to wear masks "for the time being."
