Uber (UBER 0.27%) is teaming up with Ro, a telehealth company, to provide drivers, delivery people, and freight carriers with access to a free COVID-19 health assessment tool.
In a blog post, the ride-hailing company said its encouraging all independent workers, even people who don't make money through Uber, to take advantage of the telehealth COVID-19 assessment tool.
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"We appreciate the critical work drivers, delivery people, and freight carriers are doing for their communities on Uber's platform — whether it's providing essential rides to people who still need to move around, getting food to those staying home, or hauling important supplies to the places and people that need them most, " Uber wrote in the blog. "We also know that getting access to healthcare advice has been a challenge for many people, including those who earn with Uber." While Ro already offers a free assessment for COVID-19 it is creating a dedicated page for Uber.
The telehealth tool will assess a person's likelihood of having COVID-19 based on a series of questions focused on symptoms, travel history, and interactions they may have had with other people. Users will then get a free virtual medical consultation if necessary following the assessment. A user's ID will have to be verified to access the tool but Uber said in the blog the assessment is "entirely confidential." The tech stock will not receive any personal information about independent workers' health or symptoms.
Earlier this week Lyft (LYFT 1.99%) announced its partnering with One Medical to provide its drivers with access to on-demand virtual care and COVID-19 testing for free. Lyft drivers get a free 30-day trial membership to the service.
While Uber and Lyft have seen their ride-hailing businesses fall off the cliff as millions of people shelter at home, both have been delivering food and other essential items amid the pandemic.
