Uber launches safety measures, new on-trip protocol as Egypt coexists with COVID-19

CAIRO – 29 June 2020: Uber announced Sunday the launch of 10 new safety measures and a new on-trip protocol in Egypt as cities reopen and people begin to move again.

According to the ride hailing company, it is taking unprecedented actions to help everyone who uses its app stay safe and healthy while on trip, including requiring face masks for riders and drivers in accordance with government mandates, facilitating a vehicle disinfection service, and launching a new tech tool to verify if drivers are wearing a mask.

“We have been planning for the next phase and what the ‘new normal’ of taking an Uber trip would look like, and rider and driver safety remains a top priority as we get back on the road. We’re continuously learning about our users and their current need for access to distanced, hygienic, and safe modes of transportation as we move to coexist with COVID-19, which is why we’re proud to launch the new safety measures to help everyone who uses the app feel safe and at ease while on trip,”General Manager of Uber Egypt Ahmed Khalil commented.

The announced safety measures include: Pre-Trip Hygiene Precautions such as Vehicle Disinfecting, Sanitizers Reimbursement, Mask Detection, as well as free cancellations for safety concerns.

The measures also include new On-trip Protocol; Following the government’s latest safety guidance, all riders and drivers are now required to wear masks or face coverings when using the Uber app. Moreover, the maximum seating capacity has been reduced to 3, and riders are encouraged to sit in the back seat for physical distancing between riders and drivers.

“Riders are encouraged to pay with their credit/debit card or through Fawry outlets to avoid the exchanging of cash,” it added.

As per Uber Bus, all safety measures and new protocol are applied on trips on Uber Bus as well, including mandatory face masks for all riders and drivers while on a trip. Adding to that, all buses now have sanitizer dispensers that riders can use while coming in or going out of the bus. The seating capacity has been set to a maximum of 8 per trip so far to encourage physical distancing between riders,

“These new safety measures are applied on all Uber products, and will stay in effect for the coming period, and will be reviewed based on the latest official health guidance. Looking forward, Uber is committed by working with governments and public health bodies to help everyone stay safe when using the Uber app,” the company stated.

Egypt has started to co-exist with COVID-19 since June 27 through announcing a bundle of measure including the cancellation of the partial curfew.

Egypt's PM announces bundle of measures aimed at co-existing with COVID-19

CAIRO - 23 June 2020: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli announced Tuesday a bundle of measures - including the cancelation of the partial curfew - aimed at co-existing with COVID-19 that will go into effect on Saturday. Restaurants and cafes will resume work with 25 percent capacity. Shisha will still be banned.