SAN FRANCISCO — In response to the changes and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, app-based ride and childcare service Kango has expanded its services to help schools and parents who are balancing work and home life.

In addition to offering rides for busy families, Kango, in which school bus company National Express is an investor, received an overwhelming response that there was a need for delivery services providing contact-free grocery, takeout, and pharmacy pickup, according to a news release from the company.

“We are aware that COVID-19 is top of mind for our parents and drivers alike, and the Kango team wanted to share with you that while we continue to monitor the situation closely through the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] (CDC), and to comply with the state and local directives, Kango is still available for childcare and transportation to support essential services,” said Sara Schaer, co-founder and CEO of Kango.

Schaer added that the company realized the need to adapt its services to “navigate these unprecedented circumstances with our families’ and drivers’ health and safety in mind.”

“Our services continue, along with 24/7 customer support, and we thank you in advance for working with us to ensure that Kango operates as safely as possible,” she said.

Kango is operating within the parameters of local rules during the outbreak. In California, in accordance with the statewide "Stay at Home" order and county-specific "Shelter in Place" rules, the company is providing services that support essential workers and infrastructure.

Those additional services include:

●    Transportation and/or deliveries of food or other essential items, to families and vulnerable populations such as seniors.

●    Transportation and/or deliveries for schools needing to get textbooks or school supplies to students this summer.

●    Virtual homework help and tutoring as kids continue to learn online. Kango is looking to match families with the teachers, tutors, and homework helpers on their platform.

●    Childcare services and babysitting, in particular to assist healthcare providers who are also parents.Keeping the drivers and passengers safe is paramount and Kango continues to adhere to CDC guidelines, which include:

For families:

●    If your child is sick, please keep them home: Please do not request a ride for your child, and/or please cancel your confirmed ride if your child has cold/flu symptoms, a fever, a cough, or shortness of breath.

●    Wash your hands and have your child wash their hands often, with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to disinfect your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.

●    Use a tissue to cover your cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash, then wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue within reach, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

For drivers and care providers:

●    Do not drive if you have cold/flu symptoms, a fever, a cough, or shortness of breath. If your symptoms get worse, call your doctor. It is not a new policy at Kango that drivers should not drive passengers if they are sick, but it is even more critical now.

●    Clean and disinfect your car after each ride. In particular, clean and disinfect areas that you and passengers frequently touch, like door handles (inside and outside), seat buckles, and any visible contact marks. Use disinfectant wipes or a bleach solution if appropriate for the surface material.

●    Wash your hands often with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to disinfect your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

●    Use a tissue to cover your coughs and sneezes and throw the tissue in the trash, then wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue within reach, cough or sneeze into your elbow.