Uber offers free trips and meals for NHS staff on the frontline of coronavirus pandemic

Uber will provide free meals and free trips for NHS staff in a bid to lessen the pressure on those on the frontline of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK.

Uber is pledging 200,000 free trips worth up to £15 each to help NHS workers get to and from work. Staff can claim a maximum of 10 trips and 5 meals per week, per person.

Uber Eats will issue NHS staff with a £10 voucher that can be redeemed at restaurants and convenience shops across the UK.

Anyone with an NHS email address can claim the free rides and meals.

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In a statement emailed to Mashable, Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi thanked the healthcare workers currently battling the virus.

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"The incredible nurses, doctors and support staff of the NHS are doing heroic work at the forefront of this crisis, and everyone at Uber thanks them for their extraordinary efforts," said Khosrowshahi.

"We hope we can help in a small way with meals and transportation as they work tirelessly day and night."

In a statement, Uber and Uber Eats said they will provide drivers and couriers with hand sanitiser and drivers will be given surface spray to clear their vehicles. Drivers will keep the full fare on all of the 200,000 trips, as Uber won't charge a service fee.

NHS workers are also able to make use of free JUMP bikes in Camden, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea and Hackney, in London.

To find out more about Uber's free trips and meals, NHS workers should visit Uber.com/NHS.