Riders and drivers will no longer be forced to wear masks, according to Uber and Lyft.
“Riders and drivers are not obliged to wear masks when using Uber as of April 19, 2022,” the business stated in updated safety instructions on its website.
“However, if you have specific particular risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your region, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask.”
“We realise that everyone has various comfort levels, and anybody who wants to continue wearing a mask is welcomed to do so,” Lyft said in a statement. Drivers and riders may always refuse or cancel any ride they don’t want to take.”
After a federal court in Florida declared on Monday that the CDC had overstepped its authority by requiring masks on airlines and other public transportation, the CDC has changed its mind.
Masks will no longer be necessary on public transit, according to the Transportation Security Administration, and airlines such as United, Delta, and Alaska have said that masks are no longer required. Masks were also made optional by Amtrak.
According to Uber, some customers choose to wear a mask “due to personal or family health circumstances,” thus drivers and riders should respect one other’s choices.
However, the Uber app still asks users if they’re wearing a mask.
Uber was contacted by CNBC for comment on why the app continues to ask customers that question, but a spokeswoman was not immediately available.
The mask rules for Uber and Lyft had been in place since the beginning of the pandemic.
To read our blog on “Uber Expands Drivers’ COVID-19 Sick Pay By a little Bit After Being Sued,” click here.
