How has Uber been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic?

Now that country restrictions have been eased, many businesses are still implementing stay at home policies meaning people are going out less in order to practise social distancing. This has resulted in the need for solutions to be adopted at a rapid pace. At Uber, we have begun using our technology to adapt quickly to the needs of businesses and communities while assisting stakeholders and governments. In order to assist communities, we quickly launched a global initiative urging riders to stay home in order to flatten the curve, and together with drivers we now "Move What Matters" during this time to adapt to the outbreak and to meet the evolving needs of communities and companies.

* What challenges and opportunities has Uber experienced as a result of the pandemic?

The obvious challenge for Uber was the initial travel restrictions placed by the government (and similar iterations across SSA). It was a challenge for us, and it was all hands on deck during those early days, as we looked to innovate and outline opportunities and solutions for our business as well as our drivers.

For a global company with the objective of moving people from point A to B, the lockdown disrupted how we operate in various countries - each with different regulations and its own set of challenges. As part of our safety commitment, it was important that we promoted social distancing on both our apps, to help flatten the curve.

* How have you been supporting drivers?

The disruption and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus is being felt by everyone around the world. We know it's especially concerning for people who drive and deliver with Uber. We have and continue to work hard to expand earning opportunities for drivers by leveraging our technology, as well as utilising our networks to unlock additional earning opportunities. As a commitment to supporting drivers, we are providing up to 14 days of financial assistance to drivers and delivery people diagnosed with COVID-19 or ordered to self-quarantine by a doctor or public health authority, including where they have a pre-existing health condition that puts them at higher risk.

* How are you navigating 'physical distancing' while keeping your team close-knit and aligned and your clients happy?

While the team has been working from home since 6 March, as a global tech company, we have always relied on technology to ensure that we keep
in touch regularly and nothing has changed. Virtual meetings have always been a reality for us at Uber as most of our teams sit across SSA so it
is business as usual in terms of how we communicate. We are fortunate to have a number of platforms to host our virtual meetings.

* Any trends you've seen emerge as a result of the crisis?

I think the biggest trends include fast adaptation for business survival, and a response to new needs in our environment. While it is business unusual, we have seen brands embrace online shopping platforms to continue to reach their customers. We can definitely see an increase in businesses taking advantage of the power that technology holds. This will also present an opportunity for brands to think outside of the box and use technology to fill a gap in areas most needed. We also see the "contactless" society becoming more of a reality now, especially on a continent where cash is the dominant payment method. We have launched Uber Cash [1] in Ghana, which is an exciting new innovation that provides riders with an opportunity to create a dedicated account on the app where payment can be made. This feature allows more people to be able to use Uber's apps, especially those who don't have cash or cards at hand. This will also help ensure you adhere to social distancing measures, as it limits physical contact with others.

* What safety measures has Uber put in place to handle the current crisis?
The health and safety of the community come first and improving the customer experience is of the utmost importance. Which is why at Uber, we are doing our best to support drivers and riders during these unprecedented times and to limit the spread of the coronavirus we adapted our safety measures:

* Mask verification: All Uber riders and drivers will be required to wear a mask or face covering when taking a trip. As part of a new in-app safety checklist, before drivers and couriers go online they will be asked to take a selfie to verify they are wearing a mask or face covering using new object recognition technology. Any driver or courier who is not wearing a mask or other face-covering will not be able to go online

* Safety checklist

* Drivers/carriers: Drivers will also be asked to confirm they've taken additional safety measures such as regularly sanitising their car and making hand sanitizer available for their riders. While riders will be required to take safety precautions like washing their hands before getting in the car, sitting in the backseat and opening windows for ventilation.

* Riders: Riders will also be required to take safety precautions like washing their hands before getting in the car, sitting in the backseat and opening windows for ventilation.

* Free cancellations for safety concerns: Drivers can cancel a ride without a penalty if a rider isn't wearing a mask or face covering.
Riders can do the same. These cancellations must be related to safety concerns, Uber's Community Guidelines prohibit discrimination against anyone based on their race or perceived national origin.

* New health and hygiene feedback system: We are adding new options for feedback in the Uber app, including if a rider or driver is not wearing a mask. Anyone who is repeatedly flagged for violating our new safety policies risks losing access to Uber's apps.

* WHO and CDC endorsements: Working with the World Health Organization and the latest public health advice, we have compiled safety tips and
recommendations specifically geared toward ridesharing. This will be used to educate riders and drivers when we learn of unsafe behaviour.