As companies across the country prepare to adapt to a new normal amid the early stages of economic recovery in Canada, Uber just announced that it's implementing several new safety measures including requiring all drivers to wear masks while working. 

The company announced today that, starting next week, all drivers or delivery people will be asked to confirm that they've taken certain safety measures and are wearing a mask or face cover via a new Go Online Checklist. 

"Our new technology will verify if the driver is wearing a mask by asking them to take a selfie. After we verify the driver is covering their face, we'll let the rider know via an in-app message," reads an Uber release.

"In the United States, Canada, India and most of Europe and Latin America, drivers who are not wearing a mask or face cover will not be able to go online beginning next Monday, May 18."

We're using technology to confirm your driver has a face cover or mask before they go online to help keep our community safe. pic.twitter.com/E9er2u9KAl

— Uber (@Uber) May 13, 2020

The company says it will maintain this policy until the end of June, at which point the policy will be reassessed based on local public health needs. 

On top of that, Uber has also built a similar checklist for riders. The new feature will require riders to confirm that they've taken precautions like wearing a face cover and washing or sanitizing their hands, and they must also agree to sit in the back seat and open windows for ventilation.

Uber is also reducing the maximum suggested number of passengers for an UberX ride from four to three.

From now on, both drivers and passengers will also be able to cancel a trip penalty-free if either one is not wearing a face covering of some sort. 

"Drivers and riders who repeatedly violate mask policies risk losing access to Uber," the company said.

Uber says it has allocated $50 million to purchase supplies like masks, disinfectant sprays and wipes, hand sanitizer, and gloves. And as of this week, the company has secured more than 23 million masks for drivers and delivery people around the world.

"Many of these items were shipped directly to driver's homes. In some countries where shipping is less accessible, we’ve provided reimbursements for cleaning supplies and protective equipment. We’ve also begun to hand out supplies in person at some of our Greenlight Hub locations globally," wrote Uber.

"Moving forward, we'll continue to source and ship supplies to drivers and delivery people, doing our part to help make sure vehicles are cleaned regularly and riders have access to sanitizing supplies in the car."