’BRISSIE UBER DRIVER A RISK TO MY HEALTH’

A WOMAN has questioned why an Uber driver based in Brisbane was able to operate on the Gold Coast while the state’s capital was under lockdown amid COVID-19 concerns.

The Mermaid Waters woman, who only wanted to be identified as Monique, claimed Brisbane drivers put the health of Gold Coasters at risk by operating on the Glitter Strip during the 72-hour lockdown.

But Queensland Health dismissed the concerns, saying taxi and rideshare drivers were considered essential services and could operate during the lockdown.

Monique said she caught an Uber on the Gold Coast after a night out on Saturday and claimed at the end of the trip the driver told her he was from Brisbane.

She said at the very least drivers should declare that they are from the region so that customers could be given a choice whether to ride with them.

“It’s a public health concern,” she said.

“Maybe I should have asked the guy some more questions, like where he was from. He didn’t seem to have any symptoms.

“I feel like they are putting the public at risk by allowing drivers to come down from Brisbane when I was of the understanding that pretty much everyone should just stay home for three days.”

Speaking before the lockdown ended at 6pm on Monday, a Queensland Health spokeswoman said: “Of course, where possible, we ask people to stay within the Greater Brisbane region. If a business needs to operate outside of Greater Brisbane for their work, they must ensure they wear a mask, observe physical distancing as much as practicable, and when they are not working, follow the lockdown rules wherever they are.

“It is mandatory in Greater Brisbane, and best practice everywhere else, for the driver and the passengers in a taxi or rideshare service to wear a mask.”

An Uber spokeswoman said: “The wellbeing of those who use the Uber platform is a key priority for us, and we have a dedicated team working around the clock to support them the very best we can.

“Driver-partners are receiving app messages and emails reminding them of the steps they can take to help prevent the spread of the virus which draws on advice from public health authorities.

“Masks or face covers are mandatory for riders in the Greater Brisbane area and we are also asking Queensland users to wash their hands before each trip, cover their mouth and nose, sit in the back seat and open the windows when possible.”