Uber is urging drivers and delivery people to stay home if they feel sick and offering financial assistance to those diagnosed with COVID-19 or required to self-isolate by public health authorities.

In a company-wide update, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber intends to temporarily suspend the accounts of riders and drivers confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 or those who’ve been exposed to the virus.

It said the financial assistance will only be available to those with documentation that shows they’ve contracted COVID-19 or are required by health officials to self-quarantine.

Uber did not clarify what sort of financial assistance would be available for drivers.

“We will continue to assess how this program is working as the spread of coronavirus develops in the coming weeks and months,” Uber spokesperson Kayla Whaling told the Star via email on Wednesday.

“If we were to fully cease operations in a city or country due to coronavirus, we would work with local governments to understand how best to support drivers and delivery people.”

The company also says it’s partnering with manufacturers to provide drivers with disinfectants to help keep their cars clean.

“Supplies are very limited, but we’re partnering with manufacturers and distributors to source as much as possible. We’ll be prioritizing distribution to drivers in cities with the greatest need,” the company statement said.

Uber Eats customers will also have the option to use delivery notes to communicate how they would like their orders, if for instance they prefer to avoid delivery people through a “leave at door” note.

With files from Miriam Lafontaine

Abhya Adlakha is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @AbhyaAdlakha

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