10 Nov 2020
As coronavirus cases continue to spread throughout the world, we wanted to highlight the measures that we as a company are taking to minimise the spread of the virus. We also want to highlight the precautions that we can all be taking and where you can get the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding the outbreak.
Bolt ride-hailing services are functioning as normal during non-curfew hours. We’re also ready to work with local health authorities, should the situation require it.
For example, we have prepared communications for our Drivers detailing the steps that they can take to prevent the spread. As they potentially come into contact with many people throughout the day, we included information on how to contact their local health authority.
We also used it as an opportunity to remind them of the latest practical tips from the World Health Organization (WHO), such as:
This is good advice for all of us, so please ensure you’re doing all you can to prevent the spread.
In addition to this advice, we have been handing out hand-sanitiser to our Drivers.
If you’re a passenger, we recommend you to opt for the in-app payment. Card payments help to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
To date, we’ve launched Protect/Isolated ride-types in over 15 cities across the globe including Abuja in Nigeria. All Bolt Protect/Bolt Isolated cars have a protective plastic sheet installed between the front and rear seats to limit airflow around the car. Drivers have also been asked to ventilate their cars by keeping the back windows open throughout the day.
We encourage all of our passengers to choose the Protect ride-type, where possible. Where this option isn’t available right now, we ask people to take the back seat, choose an in-app payment method and sanitise their hands immediately before and after riding.
All Bolt employees are welcome to work from home, if their work allows them to do so.
We will continue to monitor the latest advice from national governments, as well as the World Health Organization to ensure that both our users and internal employees are kept as safe as possible.
Please check the more specific Q&As below for more detailed information. If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team.
What if I believe my driver is ill? Can I ask them to stop the ride?
If you think that being in the car with your driver may be harmful to your health, you always have the right to politely explain the situation to them and end the trip.
What if my passenger appears to be ill? Can I stop the ride and ask them to leave the car?
If you suspect that being in the car with your passenger may be harmful to your health, you always have the right to politely explain the situation to them and end the trip.
Will Bolt provide any precautionary measures (hand sanitiser, face masks) to drivers?
In several countries, we’re making hand sanitisers available to our drivers. The most current advice from the CDC shows that face masks are most effective in managing transmission from sick individuals and should be limited to caregivers and health service. We will not be distributing them to avoid putting pressure on supply to our health services who urgently need them at this time
Is Bolt offering sick pay or any kind of compensation for drivers affected by coronavirus?
We understand that some drivers may be unable to drive for a certain period of time. However, Bolt drivers are independent service providers who use our platform. Therefore, we cannot offer provisions for drivers who have to take time off.
The best source of information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the World Health Organization. The “Advice for the public” section of their website offers the latest practical tips and information on the outbreak.
We also urge you to follow the guidance issued by the national and state health authorities. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s (NCDC) FAQ page has more information for Nigeria.
Should you need to reach the NCDC you can do so via:
