Ola and Uber continue to offer shared rides amid COVID-19 pandemic

As the country slowly enters lockdown to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, ride hailing companies Uber and Ola continue to operate as usual. 

The highly contagious virus COVID-19, which stands for Corona Virus Disease-2019, has spread to over 150 countries within a period of 80 days since its outbreak. India has so far reported three deaths and 147 cases of Covid-19 infection cases. 

Several countries have recommended social distancing as a way to reduce infection rates.

However, Ola, which is run by Bengaluru-based ANI Technologies, and Uber continue to offer shared rides in India.  

While queries sent to Ola did not elicit a response at the time of publishing this report, Uber said shared rides were still operational in India but declined further comment on the matter.

Read: Google, Flipkart, Swiggy, gig economy startups spring to action to contain Covid-19 crisis

According to media reports, Uber had said on March 17 that it was suspending pool services in the US and Canada to restrict the spread of the highly contagious virus.

"Our goal is to help flatten the curve on community spread in the cities we serve," a media report quoted senior vice president Uber Rides and Platform Andrew Macdonald as saying.

Both companies have issued advisories to customers and drivers on taking precautions to reduce infection risk.  Drivers have been asked to remain off duty if they are unwell. 

Uber and Ola have also urged passengers to reach out to the customer care service if they have tested positive for Covid-19.