Autonomous vehicle specialist Waymo has this week restarted driving in Phoenix, Arizona.
The company ceased operations in March in response to Covid-19 "to ensure the safety of everyone involved in our services and local communities".
After the pause, it is beginning again in Metro Phoenix. Waymo explained how it was moving forward, following advice from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as state and local authorities.
"We’ll begin driving in other cities in the days and weeks to come, including San Francisco, Detroit, and Los Angeles, and the resumption of our driving operations in these locations will similarly be guided by ensuring the safety and health of our team in line with CDC and state and local guidance," the company insisted.
"The health and safety of our riders, team, and partners is our number one priority as we begin driving again."
Infection-related changes include personal health & safety training, with everyone wearing face masks in Waymo facilities or vehicles unless driving alone.
Cleaning and disinfection has also increased, with "multiple daily cleanings of our vehicles", as part of a "thoughtful and measured approach towards bringing our driving operations back on the road".
