As the COVID-19 crisis ramps up, Uber is offering stressed-out healthcare workers some welcome relief. In a press release issued Monday, March 16, the company said it was “committing 300,000 free meals on Uber Eats to first responders and healthcare workers in the U.S. and Canada, in coordination with local and state and provincial governments.”
“We know that the work of medical and crisis response teams can be tireless, and the hours long; we hope we can help in a small way,” they stated.
Uber also announced it is taking steps to increase the safety of its restaurant deliveries and the drivers who transport them. “As customers and delivery people look to limit contact to protect themselves and their loved ones, we’ve started educating users about how to request deliveries be left on their doorsteps, and have shared CDC guidance to restaurants to ensure all orders are sealed in tamper-evident packaging.”
“In addition, we continue to support Uber delivery people and drivers both financially in the event of a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure, and while they’re on the road by delivering sanitization products to keep themselves and their vehicles clean.”
Jason “Frosty” Frost, an Uber Eats driver in Seattle, says he’s proud of the company for taking these steps. “Nurses around here are working hard. We’re here to take care of them, and the community at large.”
Officials and healthcare organizations interested in the Uber first responder meal donation program can contact so*******************@ub**.com for more information.