Maria Gavilano is a 53-year-old Peruvian immigrant who moved to New York City in 1993. She lives in Queens and has been a full-time Uber driver in New York City for nearly four years.
Gavilano's shifts usually last from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and she takes a few minutes between each ride to disinfect her car for every passenger.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more storiesWhen the COVID-19 pandemic started I was scared and sad. I kept driving for Uber because I need to provide food and shelter for my 16-year-old son and help my family in Peru, including my 96-year-old mother. I became an Uber driver because I love to help people.
When they get into my car, I make eye contact as I greet them. The sooner you see a person's eyes, you can feel them. Often, I can tell they're afraid, sad, and confused. Sometimes they share they've lost their jobs. Lately, people want to talk more, they want to share their feelings. People are more open now.
I've seen lots of creative masks. One lady had an amazing mask that looked like a diamond. A guy had a mask that looked like he was in Star Wars. Some cover their face with a scarf. I had a customer who couldn't breathe. I picked up another older customer from the hospital. I don't know why the hospital let him go. He told me he had coronavirus. I opened the windows when he started coughing.