Uber, Lyft Drop Mask Requirement for Riders and Drivers
In another sign that COVID-19 restrictions are winding down, Uber and Lyft are dropping mask requirements for riders and drivers.
Uber updated its safety guidelines page today to say: “As of April 19, 2022, riders and drivers are not required to wear masks when using Uber.”
Meanwhile, Lyft tells us: "Masks are now optional while riding or driving with Lyft. We know that everyone has different comfort levels, and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so. As always, drivers or riders can decline to accept or cancel any ride they don’t wish to take."
The companies made the changes after a federal judge voided a mandate from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which required people to wear masks on public transportation systems, including airplanes, trains, and buses.
The CDC originally extended the mask mandate to May 3, citing the COVID-19 Omicron subvariant BA.2. But on Monday, a federal judge in Florida ruled that the mandate exceeded the CDC’s authority.
The Biden administration is still studying the ruling, making it unclear if the White House will try to override or appeal the judge’s order. But in the meantime, Uber’s safety guidelines note the CDC is still recommending people wear masks if they live in an area with a high COVID-19 transmission rate or if they have certain personal risk factors.
“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences. And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip,” the guidelines added.
As for Lyft, the company notes: "While riders and drivers can always cancel any ride they don’t wish to take, health safety reasons—like not
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