TULSA, Okla. — While many Americans are working from home because of the coronavirus, not everyone has that option.
Uber and Lyft drivers are still out and about, providing rides to those who need it, but How are they staying safe?
One long time driver is working to avoid getting sick, and his family thinks him putting himself at risk during this epidemic.
"My wife is definitely not exactly happy about me driving, but we do need the money and my main job," Taqui Adouko said. "I can work from home, but in the meantime, I don't like sitting around and not doing anything."
Taqui Adouko has a part-time job with a solar energy company, but drivers for both Lyft and Uber for extra cash.
He started nearly seven years ago and says because of his good days, it's been worth it.
"If you're really trying to make some money, you can make 2 or 3 hundred dollars," Adouko said.
But now things have changed.
"Business definitely has slowed down," Adouko said. "Not just for my main job but also Uber, and we want to stay busy."
He says he needs the money. Lyft and Uber both allow any employees to continue to work, so he doesn't plan to stop.
However, he tells us they caution those at risk to stay home, and others to keep clean.
"They sent an email, and they said that due to what is going on, in the community, we want you guys to stay safe and some communities, most affected communities, they have kits that they have given to drivers for free," Adouko said.
Adouko says Lyft is taking an extra step. Helping communities in need with additional transportation.
"Lyft put together community help," Adouko said. "So drivers who want to can help. You can sign up for that and do deliveries for free, for communities in need."
Although Adouko can still work, he says he wouldn't if he was risking his children's lives.
"That would have been a big no-no for me. If I had kids, I wouldn't be driving at all," Adouko said.
But he realizes his job puts himself at risk. So he goes the extra mile.
"Any ride that comes from the hospital is really really scary, obviously because they are coming from the hospital," Adouko said. "You're thinking twice before accepting the ride, but who else is going to pick them up, you know."
To stay clean, Adouko uses wipes to disinfect all surfaces and keeps his windows down when he drives to keep passengers safe.
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