Driver and delivery partners in Melbourne are providing a crucial service, from helping essential workers get around to delivering meals to people staying home. As they help the community through this lockdown period, helping them stay safe is our priority.

From today we’re distributing up to 860,000 single use face masks to active driver and delivery partners who want them across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and the Mitchell Shire. We have sourced these masks from outside of the traditional healthcare supply chains to ensure we’re not impacting those stocks. 

In line with updated guidance from Victoria’s Chief Medical Officer, masks are encouraged in situations where physical distancing is difficult. 

We are also sharing advice from public health authorities with driver and delivery partners, including advice on how to wear masks and face coverings, as well as providing information on how to sanitise touchpoints in vehicles and food delivery bags.

The well-being of all Australians who use the Uber platform is a top priority and we have a dedicated team working around the clock to support them the very best we can. Over recent months we have distributed tens of thousands of disinfectants and sanitisers to those using the Uber and Uber Eats apps.  This includes access to free Dettol health and hygiene kits, through our partnership with Reckitt Benckiser (RB).

Driver partners will also be reminded to sanitise touchpoints, wear a face covering and to have hand sanitiser available via an updated Go Online checklist. 

In an effort to help limit the spread, we’re also advising riders in Melbourne and surrounds to only use Uber for essential travel. If riders must travel, we’re giving them the following advice to help keep everyone safe:

  • Wash or sanitise hands before and after they ride
  • Wear a face cover or mask, if possible
  • Sit in the back seat if possible
  • Open the window if possible to improve ventilation