In the United States, Canada, India and most of Europe and Latin America, drivers who are not wearing a mask or face cover will not be able to go online beginning next Monday, May 18. Uber says they will maintain this policy through the end of June, and then reassess based on local public health needs. They’ve designed this feature to adapt to changing public health guidance and regulations as the pandemic evolves, the company says. 

Uber has also built a similar checklist for riders. Before every trip, riders must confirm that they’ve taken precautions like wearing a face cover and washing or sanitizing their hands. They must also agree to sit in the back seat and open windows for ventilation. They're also reducing the maximum suggested number of passengers for an UberX ride to 3 from 4.

Accountability is key—and it goes both ways, says Uber. The company is encouraging drivers to cancel trips without penalty if they don’t feel safe, including if the rider isn’t wearing a face cover. If a driver shows up without a mask on, the rider can cancel the trip without penalty, too, and report the issue to Uber via the app. Drivers and riders who repeatedly violate mask policies risk losing access to Uber.