Uber drivers and passengers will have to wear face masks in the U.S., report says

Uber drivers and riders will soon have to wear face masks in the U.S. and several other countries, CNN Business claims.

Citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter, the report says Uber execs have approved this policy in a meeting last week, and that it may be rolled out "in the coming weeks."

Uber is also working on tech that would detect whether drivers are wearing masks before they start accepting trips. The company confirmed this to CNN, and said it plans to introduce a new policy regarding face masks in certain markets.

The list of countries where the new policy would be introduced, aside from the United States, hasn't been revealed.

Uber has implemented several measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as asking riders to stay at home if they're feeling sick, and focusing on essential rides as well as its food delivery service, Uber Eats.

The company also started shipping masks and disinfectant sprays to some drivers in April. CNN's report claims riders will have to use some sort of face covering regardless of whether the company has sent them a mask.

While face masks are not a foolproof way of protecting yourself and others from the coronavirus, they do make it harder for the virus to spread. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in places where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing businesses are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Lyft recently said it will lay off nearly 1,000 workers and furlough hundreds more. A recent report from The Information said Uber is planning to cut as many as 5,000 full time workers.