Lyft (LYFT) riders and drivers will now have to self-certify that they will wear a mask or face covering if they want to use the ride-sharing service.
The new measure comes as Lyft announces a slew of new safety procedures aimed at protecting drivers and riders from the impact of the coronavirus just as a number of states begin to unwind their lockdown orders.
Lyft's announcement follows Uber's (UBER) confirmation of a CNN report that the company will also require drivers and riders to wear face coverings when using the service in the U.S. Uber has said it is also developing a technology that will be able to detect if a driver is wearing a mask.
In addition to Lyft’s mask requirement, drivers will have to keep their cars clean and sanitize their hands frequently, keep windows down when possible, and avoid using recirculated air in their vehicles. Also, passengers will not be allowed to ride in the front seat of Lyfts.
Importantly, neither drivers nor riders will be able to use the service if they have COVID-19, think they have it, or have any related symptoms, the company said in a release.
The ride-sharing industry has been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic, as riders are forced to stay home amid lockdown orders. With restaurants and other entertainment venues closed, there's been little need for riders to use such services during the crisis.
As a result, both Lyft and Uber have announced significant cost-cutting measures including layoffs. Lyft said in April that it was cutting 17% of its workforce, or 982 jobs, and furloughing an additional 288 employees. Company executives and vice presidents also agreed to pay cuts.
Uber, meanwhile, said it is cutting 14% of its workforce, or 3,700 jobs. Those cuts will come from the company's customer support and recruiting divisions, according to a filing with the SEC. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will also forgo his base salary for the remainder of 2020.
More from Dan:
Activision Blizzard reports 21% growth in net bookings on strong sales amid lockdowns
What is smartphone contact tracing and how does it work? Tech Support
Apple Q2 2020 earnings will be all about assessing the damage from the coronavirus
Got a tip? Email Daniel Howley at [email protected] or [email protected], and follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.
Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit