Uber, after weeks of transporting healthcare workers, PPE and meals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has launched Uber Direct and Uber Connect, two projects designed to help consumers and businesses manage last mile delivery of essential goods. 

Uber Direct lets retailers and manufacturers deliver necessary shipments directly to customers in a contactless approach. 

In New York, Uber has launched a pilot with startup retailer Cabinet, to deliver essential over the counter medications. Uber is also working with CTT in Portugal to deliver packages to customers and in Australia with Greencross, to deliver pet supplies from Pet Barn, City Farmers and the Greencross Vets clinics.

In South Africa, Uber is working with the Western Cape Department of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to deliver medications to those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Uber Connect allows users to log onto the Uber app and send packages to family or friends. The service is available in 25 cities in the U.S. Mexico and Australia.

Cover image: Cabinet