The coronavirus scare is sending shockwaves throughout industries, including the automotive sector. Stocks are down, people are driving less, and fewer goods are being shipped. A whole host of automotive events have been canceled or postponed, and we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of such happenings. Another industry that might be heavily affected by COVID-19 is the ride-hailing business, and the two biggest players in that space—Uber and Lyft—have both committed to supporting drivers who fall ill during this time.
After concerns arose that Uber and Lyft drivers wouldn’t be able to work, and therefore support themselves, while the new virus is rampant, both companies announced plans to help drivers who get taken off the road. Starting on Tuesday, Uber will introduce a support package for drivers who fall ill with the novel coronavirus.
Uber’s website has been directly updated with the new information, and you can find all of that by clicking here. On its page for drivers, Uber notes that “any driver or delivery person who is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is individually asked to self-isolate by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for up to 14 days while their account is on hold. We’ve already helped drivers in some affected areas, and we’re working to quickly implement this worldwide.”
The nuts and bolts of that statement are, essentially, that if you get diagnosed with COVID-19 and are asked to stay home, you will receive financial assistance from the company. The statement doesn’t say how much and essentially leaves out those who go undiagnosed, those who aren’t asked to stay home, and those who choose to self-quarantine whether or not they have the virus.
Lyft’s website has a similar statement, and the company states that it will “provide funds to drivers should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 or put under individual quarantine by a public health agency. This helps support drivers financially when they can’t drive, while also protecting [its] riders’ health.”
The two companies also issued tips to both riders and drivers informing them of what COVID-19 is, what to do if you feel sick, and how to stay healthy. Uber has even gone so far as to announce that it is working on providing disinfectant kits to drivers in an effort to ensure company cars stay germ-free. While we don’t know the full scope of the virus, it’s best to stay as safe as possible and avoid unnecessary outings in order to ensure you don’t fall ill while COVID-10 remains a health and safety concern.
