This blog first appeared on RideGuru.
Effective Tuesday April 19th, 2022, Uber has officially updated their mask policy in the United States. Now, masks are no longer required in Uber vehicles for riders or drivers, further Uber has stated that “if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.” This is a quick and drastic change from their “No Mask, No Ride” stance that has been in effect for almost 2 years!
This updated policy comes one day after a federal judge in Florida struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate for planes, trains, buses and other public transport stating that the mandate was “unlawful”.
While Uber’s update may seem drastic, many are exclaiming that it is about time! In an update, Uber did note that the CDC still recommends wearing a mask if an individual has personal risk factors or if the person lives in areas with current high transmission of Covid-19. Uber also urges all riders and drivers to be respectful of everyone’s preferences reminding their community that “many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations.”
Uber’s dropped mask policy also comes with other loosened Covid policies such as where riders are allowed to sit. Uber’s website now says: “Riders are no longer required to sit in the back seat. However, to give drivers space, we ask that riders only use the front seat if it’s required because of the size of their group.”
Uber isn’t the only company to recently change their Covid policies, large airlines such as Delta and United have also announced a lifted mask policy. Lyft took a couple days to follow suit but they followed Uber’s lead and have ended their mask mandate as well.
In other countries, Uber will still remain bound by the areas Covid-19 rules. While Uber may be forgoing masks as a company, you may still find you need to wear one in other parts of the world.
