By Alice Seeley
Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc announced on April 19 that masks are now optional for riders and drivers in the U.S., shortly after several major airlines announced that masks are now optional.
The companies announced the change one day after U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate for airplanes, airports, taxis, and other public transportation methods. Judge Mizelle ruled that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) overstepped its authority in requiring masks.
Shortly after Judge Mizelle’s ruling, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced it will no longer enforce the mask mandate. The CDC recently extended the mask mandate through May 3. However, the court ruling has put this mandate on hold.
In a press release on Tuesday, Uber stated, “The CDC order requiring masks while using rideshare platforms such as Uber is no longer in effect, and we’ve revised our COVID-19 mask and front-seat policies accordingly. If you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.”
However, Uber asked riders to still refrain from sitting in the passenger seat unless no other seat is available. Uber reminded riders to use other methods to stay safe and prevent COVID, such as opening the windows, sanitizing hands, and covering mouths when coughing. The company also stated that local laws may still require riders to wear a mask in a Uber.
Lyft stated that passengers are permitted to sit in the passenger seat if they wish, “and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so.”
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have required masks for drivers and riders under a CDC order from January 2021 mandating masks for passengers on all forms of travel. The CDC released an update on April 18 saying that it would no longer enforce mask requirements on transportation, though the agency still recommends them.
