The second initiative — and one that could prove particularly popular in these unprecedented times — is Uber Connect, which allows users to send items to friends and family across town. This means people will be able to share their stockpiled toilet roll and freshly-baked sourdough bread with loved ones without having to leave the house — a win for effective social isolation. Connect – which will operate as a “contactless” service — will first be trialed in 25 cities across the US, Australia and Mexico.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said that given the issues similar initiatives faced two years ago, the new programs may only last as long as the current lockdown, designed to help businesses, consumers and drivers in these unusual circumstances. “Our primary focus is the immediate: quickly adapting our technology to meet the evolving needs of communities and companies,” he said.