How are you holding up? This pandemic has shaken this world to its very core and it affects people from all walks of life. Sadly, life does not stop for some people. While the majority of us are at home making sure we don’t get infected, there are people out there whose jobs are considered essential that need to go on with their lives normally. These include people who work in hospitals, groceries, and other places that we need to still be open amidst the pandemic. That’s why ridesharing companies still didn’t stop their operations.

In a time where public transportation is a ticking time bomb, ridesharing offers a safer and more controlled environment that can put passengers’ minds at ease. After all, would you really want to stay in a bus during this time? Or with just a driver in an Uber or Lyft?

But as a passenger, what can you do to lower your chances of infection? We are pretty sure drivers are doing their best as they are mandated to follow certain protocols. But we, as passengers, should do our part too, right?

That is why we compiled our top ridesharing tips for riders during COVID-19. You may be a health worker or somebody who just needs to go out to buy groceries. Whoever you may be, if you are going to get a ride from an Uber or Lyft, take note of these tips.

COVID-19 Ridesharing Tips In Atlanta For Riders

• Stay home when you feel sick – We are in a very difficult time right now. One sniffle, sneeze, or cough can be misinterpreted and taken differently than it is during cold and flu season. Even if you do not have COVID-19, you simply cannot afford to infect others considering the majority of the people out and about are doing essential things for society. So if you feel sick, just don’t go out and wait til you get better. Remember that the goal is to keep everybody as healthy as possible and that includes you. So if you feel sick, stay at home, drink your medicine, and rest. So you can wake up and fight another day.
• Minimize touch points – The safest way to go about during these times is to either assume you are infected or that others are infected. This means that if you don’t want to get infected or infect others then you should limit your touch points. If you feel like a sneeze is coming, use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to limit the spread of your droplets. Ask for the driver to open the door for you (they should not mind) and as soon as you enter the vehicle just buckle up and keep your hands to yourself. If you want to crack the window open then ask the driver to do so. Most often than not, drivers are already aware of the safety precautions and will be more than willing to assist you.
• Cover up before going out – While we are still learning more and more about the virus, it is accepted that you can contract the virus from touching a contaminated person or surface or from inhaling it through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While the idea of using masks aren’t really a western thing, you can further protect yourself by wearing masks and a face shield if possible. Also, it is worth noting that you should dispose of all your clothing (as in straight to the washer) as soon as you get home.
• Talk to the driver – While in the vehicle, ask the driver about what precautions they are taking during the pandemic. If the driver is doing their best to keep their car as clean as possible then you will get a sufficient answer. However, if the driver does not have a good answer or appears sick him/herself then you should end the ride and report the driver to the rideshare company.
• Tip the driver – Times are tough and let’s be honest, the driver can choose to stay at home and be safe. However, they are still on the road doing the rest of us a favor. So if you can, tip your driver. Does not have to be a big tip. Just enough to show that you appreciate them taking care of themselves, their car, and their passengers.

Truth be told, people who wake up and decide to go and work today are brave. We just need to take extra precautions so we don’t spread the virus. The safest way is still to use your own vehicle. If your car is having trouble, please don’t hesitate to give T3 Atlanta a call. We are open during the lockdown and are ready to service your car.