FAQs for drivers during 14 day partial lockdown in Accra and Kumasi
15 April 2020 / Ghana
“The coming weeks will be challenging for all of us and we know this is particularly tough on drivers like you. But we want you to know this is not permanent and we are committed to working with government agencies and other stakeholders on your behalf to ensure you are supported during this difficult time. We are in this together. ” – Alon Lits, Director and General Manager. Uber Sub-Saharan Africa
Q. When can I operate?
You will be able to accept rider requests across your city however only for permitted travel purposes and personnel only, during the 14-day partial lockdown. Please do not go online or accept any rider request if you are feeling sick.
Permitted travel purposes are:
- Rendering or receiving of essential services; or
- Obtaining essential goods; or
- Seeking medical attention; or
- Receiving payment of grants
- undertake banking transactions, or
- to use public restroom facilities
Permitted personnel to travel (exempted individuals) are:
- Members of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary;
- Production, distribution and marketing of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, medicine, paper and plastic packages;
- Environmental and sanitation activities;
- VALCO staff;
- Road and Railway construction workers;
- Mining workers;
- Fisherfolk;
- Members of the security agencies assigned lawful duties;
- The staff of electricity, water, telecommunications, e-commerce and digital service providers; and
- Fuel station staff.
Q: How many passengers can I transport?
- UberX – Maximum of 1 passenger
- UberSELECT – Maximum of 2 passengers
- Please request riders to sit in the back seat of the vehicle
Q. Do you have health tips?
Do not drive if you’re feeling sick.
If you’re driving:
- Cover your mouth and nose. If you sneeze or cough, do so into your elbow or a tissue.
- Riders must sit in the back to give you more space.
- Open the window.
- Please sanitize your hands as often as you can and sanitize your vehicle after each trip with a surface sanitizer.
Q: I haven’t received any rider requests?
Please note due to the Lockdown in Accra and Kumasi, movement is restricted to essential travel only. It is therefore expected that the amount of trips per day will be less than usual.
Q: What happens if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?
Drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in individual quarantine by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for a period of up to 14 days.
Q: Can handling cash or not wearing gloves be risky in terms of getting the virus?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no evidence that cash is transmitting COVID-19. You are welcome to wear gloves, however WHO suggests regularly washing your bare hands offers more protection against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
Q. When do I need to sanitise my car?
It is required that you sanitise your vehicle after each and every trip with a surface sanitiser.
Q: Do I have to pay for the sanitizers?
Uber will make a one-time reimbursement with a maximum threshold (GHS17) to cover the expense of buying surface sanitizers (with a minimum alcohol content of 60%). See here for more info.
Accra recommended suppliers:
East Cantonments Pharmacy (ECP) – GHS25 (200ml)
- Cantonments – 0501572140
- East Legon – 0501572013
- West Airport – 0501572141
- Circle – 0501607192 / 0302248545
Bedita Pharmacy – GHS15 (45ml)
- Dzorwulu – 0302778375
- Westlands – 0302 423005
- Shiashie – 0302 233980/778375/955866 / 024 369 0139
Kumasi recommended suppliers:
c – GHS5 (55ml)
- Asafo – 0302250948 (extensions: 103-108)
*1. Note that the above retailers and products are merely recommendations and drivers will be under no obligation to purchase these products from these retailers;
2. The prices indicated above are merely indicative in nature and Uber, in no way whatsoever, warrants the completeness or correctness of any of the above information. Drivers are encouraged to enquire directly from the relevant retailer, prior to making any purchase, as to the availability and pricing of any product.
Q: During the partial lockdown where I am allowed to take riders to?
During the 14 day lock down, you are only allowed to take permitted riders to do the below:
- Rendering or receiving of essential services; or
- Obtaining essential goods; or
- Seeking medical attention; or
- Receiving payment of grants
- undertake banking transactions, or
- to use public restroom facilities
Q: What happens if I can see a rider is sick?
If drivers feel uncomfortable picking up a passenger for safety reasons, they can choose not to accept or cancel the trip. However, it’s against Uber’s Community Guidelines to discriminate against anyone based on their race or national origin.
Q: What do I do if I arrive and more than one person wants to get into the vehicle?
Do not allow more than the stipulated amount of riders in the vehicle. Please explain to the riders the lockdown rules that have been given by the Government. If a rider persists, please cancel the trip and report feedback through our 24/7 in-app support or call our 24/7 phone line.
– UberX- Maximum of 1 passenger
– UberSELECT – Maximum of 2 passengers
Q: How do I manage a rider who wants to go somewhere not permitted?
Drivers are only permitted to transport permitted riders to areas that are for a permitted purpose. Examples include assisting healthcare workers get to work, or helping a rider get to a grocery store or pharmacy, to get essential items. You are always able to report feedback through our 24/7 in-app support or call our 24/7 phone line.
Posted by Uber Editor