'We wanted to keep people safe, supported and informed': How … Dr. He recommended the University of Chicago’s interactive map, which shows daily new confirmed COVID-19 case counts by county. But are rideshare services like Uber and Lyft ― or even traditional taxis ― safe for passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic? You should also consider whether you have safer options for transportation, like driving yourself (unless you’ve been drinking of course) or asking someone in your circle to drive you. “For example, if you have an essential health care appointment or procedure, and rideshare or taxi is the only feasible way to go, take the rideshare or taxi. The health and safety of the Lyft community is our priority. As airports, cities and countries begin to reopen and start moving again, safety will continue to be a key priority in “There may be some minor considerations,” Delgado said. Uber driver dies from Covid-19 after hiding it over fear of … More than six months since life changed immeasurably for virtually everyone across the globe, the impact on travel measured against any past crisis of the modern era is nothing short of staggering. The consequences of forgoing necessary medical care are likely to outweigh the individual risk of coronavirus exposure.”. How to Stay Safe From Coronavirus in an Uber, a Lyft, or a … “Consider whether it’s necessary to travel locally and any alternative options, particularly physically active ones such as walking or riding a bike if feasible,” said Sachin Nagrani, a physician and medical director for the telemedicine and house call provider, The factors that affect safety would be if you have comorbidities, duration of ride, if there are other people in the car, can I wear a mask, etc.”, require drivers and passengers to wear face coverings, Hospitalizations are increasing in at least nine states, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Riders should wear a face covering and request that the driver also wear a covering if he or she is not already doing so and report drivers who are failing to adhere to precautions,” Delgado noted. “For example, Phoenix, Arizona, is seeing around 800 new cases per day right now, which is concerning.”. Uber, Lyft issue coronavirus warnings, but some drivers feel left … Kit Delgado told HuffPost that there are no studies that specifically quantify the risk of using a rideshare service, but individuals should weigh the necessity. Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus. Uber will lay off 3,700 full time workers due to COVID-19. Delgado echoed this sentiment, suggesting that people research local coronavirus activity where they live. “I would consider counties with zero new cases as lower risk, those with under 10-20 new cases per day as medium risk, and those with more than that as higher risk with lots of new cases per day,” he said. “For every person who dies, there around four more who make it out alive, but only after one to two weeks in the hospital, and most of those who require hospitalization are under the age of 65. “Therefore, using a rideshare or taxi can be moderate to high-risk venues for exposure if someone with coronavirus is in or has recently been in the vehicle.”. That’s why we’re introducing our new Door-to-Door Safety Standard. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy It’s important to wipe down your phone and any belongings that were placed on surfaces in the car. Both Uber and Lyft have added safety measures amid the coronavirus outbreak, including requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks.. We want you to feel safe riding with Uber as our communities start to move again. “The rate of new COVID-19 cases in your area may affect the risk of going into public for any activity, including using a taxi or rideshare,” Nagrani noted. Support journalism without a paywall — and keep it free for everyone — by, The essential guide to taking care of your mind and body. How to avoid getting sick on a … You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties. ©2020 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. “I would say the safest mode of transportation at this time would be taking your own personal car by yourself since in this situation you would not be exposing yourself to anyone else,” said Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases physician and biosecurity fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. "I would say the safest mode of transportation at this time would be taking your own personal car by yourself since in this situation you would not be exposing yourself to anyone else," Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease expert, told HuffPost. | … Uber is adopting several safety measures starting May 18 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among drivers and riders. Additionally, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will forego his base salary for the rest of 2020, the company said in an SEC filing. "Cleaning and sanitizing the vehicle is the individual responsibility of the driver and remains unclear how well this is being done.". Overall, the risks involved in taking a taxi versus an Uber or Lyft are largely the same, though various companies may have different safety and sanitation policies in place. Is it safe to fly during COVID-19? What to Know Before … In addition to face masks, eye protection can provide some extra protection. “Although it doesn’t feel as scary as it used to be, we are nowhere near the end of this pandemic,” said Kit Delgado, an assistant professor or emergency medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania. “If the weather is nice, put down the window,” Kuppalli suggested. After assessing the risks involved, you may still decide to go forward with your taxi or rideshare journey. As more businesses reopen and people emerge from their homes with greater frequency, there’s a sense that things are getting back to “normal.” Many folks are easing into activities from their pre-pandemic lives, like dining at a restaurant, booking air travel and even taking an Uber. Uber Rides Take COVID-19 Hit But Food-Delivery Business Doubles Ride-hailing trips, in the past responsible for nearly two-thirds of Uber's revenue, … What you should know about the risks of cabs or rideshare services amid the pandemic. “The factors that affect safety would be if you have comorbidities, duration of ride, if there are other people in the car, can I wear a mask, etc.”. Daily science news on research developments and the latest scientific innovations, The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances, The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web. Hospitalizations are increasing in at least nine states indicating it’s not just due to increased testing.”. You can be assured our editors closely monitor every feedback sent and will take appropriate actions. Still, some experts say it may be best to avoid sharing a vehicle with someone you don't live with for the time being. Uber is suspending the accounts of drivers and riders who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. You should also consider the health status of those in your household and whether your potential exposure could be putting them at risk of serious illness or hospitalization. As with other activities outside the home, your own health status should be a major factor in deciding whether or not to take a taxi or Uber/Lyft. However, if you do take an Uber or Lyft ride, here are some things to keep in mind. Uber is also donating all of the N95 masks, which are in short supply for health care workers, stored in our offices to local hospitals. ©2020 the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ( Atlanta, Ga. ) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC details to third.... To customers. ” remember it ’ s important to wipe down your phone any. Will take appropriate actions are sending additional cleaning supplies to drivers identifying than... 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