Category: coronavirus

You’re washing your hands (or using hand sanitizer) frequently – that’s great! But what is something that we have with us all the time and many of us never think about cleaning?

Your phone is an important part of your day to day life – not only does it keep you connected with your friends and family, it’s also essential for rideshare. It needs to be a part of your regular cleaning routine so that it does not become a secret carrier for germs.

However, your phone is also a delicate piece of technology! Make sure you clean it the right way, so it will be clean and undamaged.

• Every manufacturer has specific instructions for disinfecting your phone – iPhone instructions are slightly different from Pixel instructions, for example. We recommend going to your phone manufacturer’s website and following disinfecting instructions there.
• CNET also has an article with general advice – and what not to do, like do not use paper towels when cleaning the screen because they can leave behind dust or scratches.

Come back tomorrow and we’ll go into more on cleaning all the parts of your car. Not every surface can use the same cleaner!

When we’re in the car, we are obviously not going to be near a sink every time we need to clean our hands. Since we want to clean our hands after each rider, this can pose a problem! Luckily, you can use hand sanitizer as a back-up.

• According to the CDC, hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol is effective against COVID-19, so if you are driving, keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer around is a great idea for both you and the rider.

However, in many areas branded hand sanitizers like Purell are out of stock. You can make your own!

• The Spruce has instructions on making your own hand sanitizer – though remember to follow the CDC guidelines if you’re using rubbing alcohol and make your mixture at least 70%, not 60%.

Even if you are regularly using hand sanitizer, remember to wash your hands (link to our own post) with soap and water when you get the chance. 

Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk about disinfecting your cell phone!

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wash your hands – but you have to do it the right way, getting every nook and cranny with soapy warm water for at least 20 seconds. (If your water is cold, you need at least 30 seconds.)

• Click here for the World Health Organization’s graphic on how to clean your hands.
• If you have trouble visualizing what this looks like, this video uses ink as “soap” to show how you get every bit of your hand with the WHO technique.

But how does this work to prevent viral spread?

• CNN’s Sandee Lamotte explains how soap and warm water break down the virus itself, preventing infection.
• The CDC website also explains that washing your hands is important because of our human behaviors – like touching our faces after touching something else – can spread viruses and disease. Washing our hands frequently interrupts these connections.

Make sure to come back tomorrow, when we’ll talk more about hands – and hand sanitizer!

We talked about federal and state relief yesterday, but many of us also have other bills as well. Here are some of the most helpful guides we’ve found for navigating the different financial institutions:

• Many banks and credit cards are allowing postponement of payment without penalty, or offering other relief of charges, like mortgage payments. Forbes has an in-depth list but make sure to reach out to your financial institution for exact details.
• ABC7 News also has information on financial institutions, but their resource goes into more detail regarding taxes, disability support for those infected by COVID-19, and more gig worker information
• Geico is one of many insurance companies that is pausing in policy cancellations during this time. Contact your car insurance company to see what relief they are offering.

If you have chosen to stop driving for now, it may also make sense to change your policy to a non-operational status, which will keep you covered. Check with your bank to confirm any details regarding any insurance requirements for loans you may have.

Don’t forget to reactivate once you return to work!

Finally, individual states may offer their own forms of relief. Make sure to check your state’s website for more help.

If you are staying on the road during this time, come back tomorrow for our tips on protecting yourself and your rider!

For many of us, COVID-19 has dramatically affected our take-home pay. We need to know what’s available so we can help ourselves.

• Both Uber and Lyft have committed to providing funds to drivers who have confirmed COVID-19 cases.

However, even if you aren’t infected, in the US you may still be eligible for the stimulus package – and unemployment benefits under a new bill.

• The New York Times has a clear FAQ on the stimulus package and the benefits you can expect – including that it will not be taxable income. You will need to enter your email to view the website, but it won’t cost you anything, and is well worth the trouble.
• Per CNBC, the Coronavirus Relief Bill, signed 3/27/2020, will include gig workers like rideshare drivers in unemployed benefits in the US. Click here and select your state to get started.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more help with your financial health!

The purpose of this blog is to update rideshare drivers during the Coronavirus crisis. Let’s make sure we’re all up to date on what exactly Coronavirus COVID-19 is, and what to do if you think you have it:

• According to the World Health Organization, Coronavirus COVID-19 is “an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.” Because it’s so new, we do not have any kind of immunity nor a vaccine yet, and so we need to take active steps to help prevent spread.
• Are you a high-risk individual? If you are, you may want to reconsider driving for rideshare right now. The CDC website has more information on who is at risk, like older individuals, or people with pre-existing health conditions.
• The symptoms include fever, a dry cough, and shortness of breath. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Please check the CDC for more information.
• If you do develop symptoms and are having trouble breathing, please call your doctor right away.

We also recommend checking out WHO’s page on mythbusters – and yes, you can even get COVID-19 if you live in a very hot or very cold environment.

Stay up to date with Uber and Lyft on their own Coronavirus Updates page:

• Uber
• Lyft

Check back tomorrow for updates on how to apply for financial assistance!

The safety and well‑being of everyone who uses Uber is always our priority. We are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID‑19) situation and are taking steps to help keep our communities safe.

To stay up to date with Uber’s latest Coronavirus updates, please visit their website here