Uber begins offering person-to-person package delivery during coronavirus

Uber is offering a new feature that allows people to request person-to-person, same-day package delivery, the app announced Sunday.

The new “Uber Connect” option allows users to send packages to family and friends amid the coronavirus pandemic as social distancing guidelines are limiting contact between people. 

“Whether it’s a care package, a board game, or an extra roll of much-needed toilet paper, you can send it by requesting ‘Uber Connect’ in the Uber app,” Uber said in the announcement.

The feature is available in more than 25 cities in the U.S., Mexico and Australia.

The app directs users to input the recipient’s name and any special delivery instructions for the driver. Users meet drivers curbside to load packages into the drivers’ trunk. 

Users can also share the trip with the recipient to track the order and meet the driver curbside to take the package from the driver’s trunk.

Uber also announced a new “Uber Direct” feature, which allows users to place orders from select retailers and get their items delivered to their doorstep.