--- title: The Sharing Economy and COVID-19 description: The Coronavirus is forcing people to think twice about the sharing economy, and apps are expanding and adapting to meet the needs of users during a crisis. image: https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/coronavirus-4937226_1920.jpg --- [![MGA Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MGA%20Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px.png?width=217&height=26&name=MGA%20Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px.png "MGA Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px")](https://web3growthassociation.com/) Open Search Events [MGS 22 Las Vegas](https://events.bizzabo.com/358800) [Executive Connect](https://events.bizzabo.com/executiveconnect) [Women Of The Year Awards 2022](https://widgets.mobilegrowthassociation.com/events/mgs-22/page/2031094/women-of-the-year-awards) [See All Events](https://web3growthassociation.com/events) [APPLY TO SPEAK](https://web3growthassociation.com/speaker-application) APPLY TO SPONSOR Webinars & Webcasts [MGA Webinars](https://web3growthassociation.com/webinars) [APPLY TO SPEAK](https://web3growthassociation.com/speaker-application) APPLY TO SPONSOR Podcasts [Fintech Growth Talk](https://web3growthassociation.com/fintech) Channels [User Acquistion](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?ua) [Retention & Engagement](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?re) [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?ai) [Monetization](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?monetization) [LTV](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?ltv) [Mobile Gaming](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?gaming) [See All Media](https://web3growthassociation.com/all-media) [SUBMIT ARTICLE IDEA](https://share.hsforms.com/1qyaCXBsCRHyus5ftkoqRXw34v9x?__hstc=17895014.67ed4e0440429f7fd858dbdaa6017f42.1596082292944.1610407079532.1610469949158.104&__hssc=17895014.1.1610469949158&__hsfp=555322576) [Industry Jobs](https://careers.mobilegrowthassociation.com) [Join Now](https://web3growthassociation.com/membership) Open Search Close Search [  App Engagement Strategies to Stay Top of Mind During "Quarantine"](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/app-engagement-strategies-to-stay-top-of-mind-during-quarantine) [How the Mobile App Industry is Helping Cope with Coronavirus  ](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/how-the-mobile-app-industry-is-helping-cope-with-coronavirus) # The Sharing Economy and COVID-19 ![](https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/coronavirus-4937226_1920.jpg) [Staff Writer](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/author/staff-writer) Posted Apr 1, 2020 [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20The%20Sharing%20Economy%20and%20COVID-19%20&body=Check%20out%20https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/the-sharing-economy-and-covid-19&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20The%20Sharing%20Economy%20and%20COVID-19%20&body=Check%20out%20https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/the-sharing-economy-and-covid-19&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) [Mobile Marketing](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/tag/mobile-marketing) [Retention and Engagement](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/tag/retention-and-engagement) For years, we've been [discussing the growth of the sharing economy](https://www.ameinfo.com/industry/technology/airbnb-uber-sharing-economy-changing), largely driven by apps like Uber and Airbnb. But in a world where people have gotten used to sharing a car-ride to the airport with a stranger or sleeping in the spare room of someone they've never met before, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing people to think twice about how they move around their cities and whether they travel at all, nevermind where they stay. As of March 20, 2020, the virus had killed [11,299 and infected 90,618 people](https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/) worldwide. As a result of the virus, governments have imposed social distancing measures. The measures are aimed at reducing face to face interactions, with the ultimate goal of limiting the spread of infections through contact. While the measures seem to be working, it's having a big impact on the apps that have given rise to the sharing economy. ### **Implications of social distancing on ride-hailing apps** How many times have you jumped into an Uber or Lyft without thinking twice about who you're sharing the car with, or who was in the car before you? That's no longer an option. [The Washington Post reports](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/03/19/uber-coronavirus-analyst-call/) that Uber rides are down 70% in some markets. Lyft has been similarly impacted, driving both companies to rethink how they do business. That starts with the [suspension of carpooling services](http://www.blooomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-3-17/uber-lyft-suspend-shared-car-pooling-services-in-u-s-and-canada). Once an economical way of traveling, carpooling is banned for the time being. Meanwhile, both Uber and Lyft are turning to deliveries to help keep their doors open and their drivers working. We've also seen an increase in traffic for food delivery apps. Ordering food through Postmates is now more popular than ever. It’s reported that the Orcado delivery app in the UK crashed due to a [surge in the number of users](http://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/13/morrisons-speeds-up-payments-to-small-suppliers-because-of-coronavirus). Uber Eats, and other food delivery services, are offering contactless drop-off, allowing users to "leave a note in the Uber Eats app to ask your delivery person to leave your food at the door." Uber Eats has also announced it will [waive delivery fees](https://www.uber.com/us/en/coronavirus/) for all orders from independent restaurants. Lyft has responded by expanding the types of services it provides, [announcing](https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community) it will deliver medical supplies to those in need. It's also delivering food, but with a twist. "Students who receive free or subsidized lunch at school and home-bound seniors have been heavily affected by shelter-in-place advisories. To meet crucial food access gaps, Lyft is working in partnership with government agencies and local non-profits." ### **Short-term rentals plummet, apps respond** With people sheltering in place or self-quarantining, the demand for rental properties has plummeted. Airbnb has [tweaked its policy](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2701/extenuating-circumstances-policy-and-the-coronavirus-covid19) in response to the virus. You can now cancel bookings made before March 14, 2020 without incurring penalties. Airbnb has also petitioned governments to consider tax breaks for the hosts. Over at Bookings.com, customers have been advised to [consider changing their travel plans](https://secure.booking.com/content/cs.html?aid=355028;sid%3D1ed93e1b853eb20847a16fbe9e5299ca). Traveling services apps also continue to encourage people to make only important trips. Coronavirus and COVID-19 have made it clear just how intertwined we all are. While many in the mobile industry are well-situated to weather the pandemic working from home ([game downloads are booming](https://www.businessofapps.com/news/coronavirus-contributes-to-mobile-game-downloads-climbing-39/)), there are many who are vulnerable to a disruption in the status quo and companies are getting creative to keep their businesses running, their employees healthy, and put their resources to work helping others. #### [![](https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/icon-calendar.svg) Upcoming Events](https://web3growthassociation.com/events) #### [![MGA Podcasts](https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/icon-podcasts.png) Podcasts](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts) ##### [![Simplifying Taxes for Freelancers](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image001-2.jpg?width=300&name=image001-2.jpg) Simplifying Taxes for Freelancers Posted Feb 15, 2022](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/simplifying-taxes-for-freelancers) ##### [![Unlocking the Potential of Financial Services with AI](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fintech-Growth-Talk---Kevin-Levitt.jpg?width=300&name=Fintech-Growth-Talk---Kevin-Levitt.jpg) Unlocking the Potential of Financial Services with AI Posted Dec 29, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/unlocking-the-potential-of-financial-services-with-ai) ##### [![AARP: The intersection of Health Tech and Fintech](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image001-1.jpg?width=300&name=image001-1.jpg) AARP: The intersection of Health Tech and Fintech Posted Dec 10, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/aarp-the-intersection-of-health-tech-and-fintech) ##### [![FinTech and mobile strategy insights from Google](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cherlene-Jolly%20V2.jpg?width=300&name=Cherlene-Jolly%20V2.jpg) FinTech and mobile strategy insights from Google Posted Nov 27, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/fintech-and-mobile-strategy-insights-from-google) ##### [![Rebuilding the financial services ecosystem one API at a time](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fintech---Richie-Serna.jpg?width=300&name=Fintech---Richie-Serna.jpg) Rebuilding the financial services ecosystem one API at a time Posted Nov 10, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/rebuilding-the-financial-services-ecosystem-one-api-at-a-time) ### Recommended Articles #### [![Where the action and the money *really* is in mobile gaming apps](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/Podcast%20Images/All/NebojshaMitrikeski_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg?width=300&name=NebojshaMitrikeski_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg) Where the action and the money \*really\* is in ... Posted Sep 28, 2018](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/2018/09/28/where-the-action-and-the-money-really-is-in-mobile-gaming-apps) #### [![How Homesnap attracted 1 million real estate agents – and keeps them coming back](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/Podcast%20Images/All/TimCondon_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg?width=300&name=TimCondon_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg) How Homesnap attracted 1 million real estate ... Posted Nov 2, 2018](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/2018/11/02/how-homesnap-attracted-1-million-real-estate-agents-and-keeps-them-coming-back) #### [![Five Tips: Developing Apps for Foldable Displays](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mika-baumeister-vI8_06RmSC0-unsplash%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=mika-baumeister-vI8_06RmSC0-unsplash%20(1).jpg) Five Tips: Developing Apps for Foldable Displays Posted Apr 6, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/five-tips-developing-apps-for-foldable-displays) #### [![Keeping Up with ASO Updates Impacting App Store Optimization in 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Linda_Harnisch-01-1.png?width=300&name=Linda_Harnisch-01-1.png) Keeping Up with ASO Updates Impacting App Store ... Mobile Gaming Posted Jul 3, 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/2019/07/03/keeping-up-with-aso-updates-impacting-app-store-optimization-in-2019) #### [![Save more than money by automating your media portfolio](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Matt%20Sadofsky.jpg?width=300&name=Matt%20Sadofsky.jpg) Save more than money by automating your media ... Posted Dec 19, 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/videos/save-more-than-money-by-automating-your-media-portfolio) #### [![How marketers can use keyboard apps to power effective UA and build brand](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/Video%20Images/Baidu-650x325.jpg?width=300&name=Baidu-650x325.jpg) How marketers can use keyboard apps to power ... Posted Apr 26, 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/videos/2019/04/26/how-marketers-can-use-keyboard-apps-to-power-effective-ua-and-build-brand) ### Related Articles #### [App Engagement Strategies to Stay Top of Mind During "Quarantine"](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/app-engagement-strategies-to-stay-top-of-mind-during-quarantine) #### [Unlock Growth with Expressions of ‘Love’](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/unlock-growth-with-expressions-of-love) #### [Combating Loneliness Through Apps: Q&A with Nextdoor’s Jennie Sager](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/combating-loneliness-through-apps-qa-with-nextdoors-jennie-sager) #### [4 of the Biggest Sessions at Pocket Gamer Connects London 2020](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/4-of-the-biggest-sessions-at-pocket-gamer-connects-london-2020) Join Our Newsletter Sign-up to get the latest mobile growth news, updates, and trends directly in your inbox twice a month. [![MGA Logo_Vertical-White-400px](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MGA%20Logo_Vertical-White-400px.png?width=200&height=100&name=MGA%20Logo_Vertical-White-400px.png "MGA Logo_Vertical-White-400px")](https://web3growthassociation.com/) - [Events](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/events) - [Media](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media) - [Company](https://web3growthassociation.com/company) - [Become a Sponsor](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/sponsor-application) - [Apply to Speak](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/speaker-application) - Subscribe to MGA Newsletter - [Advertise With Us](https://share.hsforms.com/1wSm-xNj1TZGNZ0YiR97aGA34v9x) - - - - - © 2020 MOBILE GROWTH ASSOCIATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Contact us at [info@mobilegrowthsummit.com](mailto:info@mobilegrowthsummit.com) [Privacy Policy](https://web3growthassociation.com/privacy-policy) [Terms & Conditions](https://web3growthassociation.com/terms-and-conditions) #### Become a Sponsor The MGS Annual Sponsor Rewards maximizes and drives growth for our Sponsors. We are rewarding our loyal Sponsors in our seventh year of business with a comprehensive range of additional benefits and services. Enter your contact information here and we'll email you a Sponsor Kit so you can drive deal-flow and bottom-line revenue for your company. #### Apply to Speak #### Join our newsletter Sign-up to get the latest mobile growth news, updates, and trends directly in your inbox twice a month.