Ride-hailing service, Uber, says it will operate within the permitted areas during the 14-day lockdown announced on March 27, 2020.

In a post on its website, Uber said: “As announced by His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo on March 27, 2020, movement within Accra and Kumasi will be restricted to essential purposes only. E-hailing services such as Uber are authorised for government-permitted travel and/or exempted individuals for the 14-day partial lockdown which begins at 1 a.m. on Monday, 30th of March. Within this period, the general public is also advised to use Uber’s services for essential movement only.”

It said it manage demand and supply of its rides to be able to comply with the restrictions on movement.

“The health and safety of our community come first, and we will do our best to support our riders, drivers and essential staff during these unprecedented times.

“In order for us to comply with these restrictions around limited movement, we will be managing supply and demand accordingly, and will continue to work with the Ministry of Transport,” said Uber.

Regulatory guidelines

Uber app will only be available for government-permitted travel and/or exempted individuals

Travelling is restricted to obtaining essential goods or services or rendering an essential service.

Limitations on passengers

UberX- Maximum of 1 passenger

UberSELECT – Maximum of  2 passengers

"We request that you sit in the back seat of the vehicle," Uber advises.

Regulations

E-hailing services will be allowed to operate where it is for the:

• rendering or receiving of essential services; or

• obtaining essential goods (such as shopping for food or medicine); or

• seeking medical attention; or

• transportation of exempted individuals

Extra tips

Uber says there will be no surge pricing during the lockdown period.

"This is a difficult time for driver-partners, they would appreciate a tip if you so wish," the ride-hailing service admonishes.

Steps Uber has taken:

Uber has introduced safety recommendations within the app to help raise awareness about suggested travel restrictions and social distancing with “travel only if necessary” in-app messaging.

Uber is providing safety information to drivers and riders in line with public health authorities guidance.

This includes messages in-app, and on social media channels.

"We have a team available 24/7 to support public health authorities in their response to the pandemic. Working with them, we may temporarily suspend the accounts of riders and drivers confirmed to have contracted or been exposed to COVID‑19."

Drivers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in individual quarantine by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for a period of up to 14 days, Uber has pledged.

"We continue to monitor the situation very closely, and we are working with the relevant health authorities to understand the latest safety guidance regarding transport. We will keep you informed of any updates as the situation develops and our support team remains available via our 24/7 support channels."