Uber dropped its masks requirement for US passengers and drivers on Tuesday after a federal judge ruled against the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s mandate.
“Riders and drivers are not required to wear masks when using Uber,” the corporate advised customers in a message early Tuesday. “However, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area.”
Uber additionally mentioned that it will enable riders to sit down within the entrance seats of autos — a follow the corporate banned two years in the past through the outbreak of the pandemic.
Lyft, in the meantime, maintained its mandate as of Tuesday morning. Lyft didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon whether or not it deliberate to vary its coverage.
On a Reddit discussion board for Uber drivers, some customers celebrated the choice.
“Yay! About time,” one driver wrote.
“Hallelujah!” mentioned one other.
Nevertheless, others mentioned they’d give up over the choice.
“I’m done,” one driver wrote. “Case counts are rising in my area and I am tired of mask arguments. Done. Finished. If Uber policy won’t protect me & my riders, it’s over.”
“I’m out,” one other mentioned, attributing the choice to Uber permitting passengers to experience within the entrance seat.
“Lyft hasn’t changed their policy yet,” one other driver added. “This might cause some issues if they don’t change it today.”
Underneath Monday’s court docket ruling from a Trump-appointed federal choose in Florida, particular person corporations would nonetheless have the ability to implement masks mandates in the event that they select to take action.
Nevertheless, all main US airways shortly moved to mask-optional insurance policies late Monday, with Uber following swimsuit hours later.
Uber mentioned that riders who’re sad with the mandate can cancel their journeys.
“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences,” the corporate mentioned. “And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.”
New York Metropolis subways and buses, in addition to the Metro North and Lengthy Island railroads, are persevering with to require masks for now, the Metropolitan Transit Authority mentioned Monday.
Nevertheless, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said early Tuesday that New Jersey transit will now not require masks.
