With the announcement of the 14 day country lockdown over the coronavirus disease outbreak, Uber is taking strict measures to ensure that its customers and riders in Uganda are well informed about what this means for their traveling needs.
Since there is an existent ban on public and private transportation within the country for the next fortnight, it is not expected that any Uber driver would take on any rides, nor any rider requesting to be picked up.
A statement from the company spokesperson states that the company is putting to rest its services until further notice in line with the president’s directives to contain the spread of coronavirus.
“In accordance with the measures announced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 30 March 2020 to contain the spread of Coronavirus, we are temporarily pausing our services in Kampala starting from 31 March 2020, until further notice. The health and safety of our community comes first, and we will do our best to support drivers during these unprecedented times.”
Uber has introduced safety recommendations within the app to help raise awareness about suggested travel restrictions and social distancing with “travel only if necessary” in app messaging. The company is also is providing safety information to drivers and riders in line with public health authorities’ guidance. This includes messages in-app, email and on social media channels.
Uber has also distributed hand sanitisers to drivers. Those who did not receive and who have purchased surface sanitizers will receive a one-time reimbursement to cover the expense.
To assist in ensuring that public health is ensured, the app has a team available 24/7 to support public health authorities in their response to the pandemic. Working with them, the company may temporarily suspend the accounts of customers and drivers confirmed to have contracted or been exposed to coronavirus disease.
To the same effect, any drivers who are diagnosed with coronavirus or placed in individual quarantine by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for a period of up to 14 days.
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