Wearing a mask is still seemingly a point of contention among many in the country but if you happen to be using Uber you’ll have to don a mask or risk not being able to use the service until you do.

Back in May, Uber launched Mask Verification for drivers and couriers. Before going online, drivers and couriers would be required to take a selfie while wearing a mask to confirm the person was wearing a mask or a face covering that shields the nose and mouth.

Today the firm has confirmed that riders will also be held to account should they not wear a mask while riding in an Uber.

“Uber firmly believes that accountability is a two-way street. That’s why the same technology has now been expanded to riders, too. If a driver reports to Uber that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, the rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they’re able to take another trip with Uber. With the addition of this new feature, one driver’s feedback can help ensure the safety of Uber for the next driver,” an Uber spokesperson told Hypertext.

It should be noted that being asked to wear a mask is not “new”.

Since Uber started operating during lockdown to ferry essential workers to and from work, Uber has requested that drivers and riders wear masks.

In fact, requesting a ride right now will prompt you to confirm that you have not tested positive for COVID-19 and that you are wearing a mask.

It should be noted that according to Uber, “Anyone who is repeatedly flagged for violating our new safety policies risks losing access to Uber’s apps”.

So yeah, wear a mask or risk not being able to use Uber Eats should lockdown come back into effect or worse still, having to get yourself home after a night on the town.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]