MONTREAL -- All Uber drivers and passengers in North America will have to wear a mask as of Monday if they want to continue using the ride-sharing service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"For more than two months, Uber has been urging riders to stay home, for their safety and the safety of drivers who continue to make essential trips," the company said in a statement. "Now, as cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, Uber is proceeding with caution and safety top of mind."
Uber drivers and passengers will be able to cancel rides, without penalty, if either party does not have their face covered and will be able to report refusal to wear masks via the Uber app, the company said.
Uber and Uber Eats drivers will have to provide a selfie showing them wearing a mask by using what the company says is new facial recognition technology before they can provide a ride or make a food delivery.
And passengers will now be forbidden from riding in the front seats of Uber vehicles. Passengers are also being asked to keep their windows open whenever possible.
Drivers, passengers and delivery drivers will all have to confirm that they are following public health directives such as washing their hands.
The company says it is providing drivers with masks as well as cleaning products so they can sanitize their vehicles.
The company says UberX drivers will now accept a maximum of three passengers, down from the previous limit of four.
People who violate public health directives repeatedly may be barred from using Uber services, according to the company's statement.
Uber says the restrictions will also be in place Monday in India, many parts of Europe and Latin America.
The company says it will keep the measures in place through the month of June and then assess the public health situation in its various markets before deciding whether to continue, adjust or drop them.
