With the spread of coronavirus, the public transport sector has taken a bit of a knock in countries battling the virus.

We covered how the virus spreads in the workplace last week. It can stay on surfaces, that when touched, transfer the virus to the hands. When you touch your face,  the virus moves from your hands into your body.

It doesn’t take a giant leap to start making the connection between this information and the shared surfaces that you might encounter in other parts of your daily life – like those in your Uber, taxi or bus.

The Verge reports that Uber has had the same idea, and they’re putting measures in place to try and deal with it.

The company has also told drivers to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or an elbow. And Uber asked drivers to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in their cars. Uber says it has “formed a dedicated global team of Uber operations, security and safety executives, guided by the advice of a consulting public health expert, to respond as needed in each market where we operate around the world.”

In Mexico, Uber has suspended the accounts of a number of drivers who may have come into contact with the virus.

Much like food delivery workers, Uber and Lyft drivers can’t make money when they stay home, and some are worried what the continued spread might do to their livelihoods. Neither company would answer whether they will offer any assistance to drivers who do stay home, let alone ones who might get infected.

They claim to be very committed to the wellbeing of their employees, though.

“We are always working to help ensure the safety of our employees and everyone on the Uber platform, and we continue to be concerned by the ongoing spread of coronavirus,” the company said in a statement.

Uber has been caught out before for mistreating their drivers. 

The long and short of it is –  yes, you can contract the coronavirus from an Uber if the passenger before you were infected. Then again, you can also catch it walking down the street, or from a friend, so it isn’t worth freaking out about it.

If you’re concerned, remember that the same rules apply here, as everywhere else. Wash your hands, take an immune-boosting supplement and stay positive.

You should also keep up to date with accurate information using this handy resource. 

Knowledge is power.

[source:verge]