Lyft has announced new policy changes that could impact what it’s like for you to take a ride.
Lyft will now make face masks mandatory for drivers and passengers. The drivers and passengers will need to confirm through the Lyft app that they are wearing a face covering and that they are symptom free.
Anyone who disagrees with the policies could be banned from the platform.
Lyft has already spent $2.5 million to buy hand sanitizer and face masks, which will be distributed to drivers, who have been asked to sanitize their vehicles constantly and to keep windows open.
Passengers have also been asked to avoid riding in the front seat.
“With guidance from the CDC, Public Health Agency of Canada, WHO and local officials, Lyft is taking action to build products and implement policies that help keep riders and drivers safe, as well as empower our community to protect themselves and those around them,” said Angie Westbrock, VP of Global Operations and head of Lyft’s COVID-19 Response Task Force. “We want these new initiatives to have a meaningful impact and set a new standard for rideshare health safety.”
According to CNN, Uber is already working on its own policy update, which would require face masks for drivers and passengers. Uber’s plans might include technological additions that would confirm whether drivers and passengers are wearing any coverings.