Online delivery businesses, including food delivery company Deliveroo and major supermarkets, have updated their practices in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons are all telling their customers to let them know if they are self isolating so delivery drivers can take steps to limit the risk of contact.
Tesco told its customers in an email: “We understand what a worrying time this is so we want to make sure that essentials are available to as many customers as possible” before going on to warn customers that shoppers would be limited in their purchases of certain items.
They added: “As there may be more customers than normal booking deliveries, you may find there aren’t as many slots available.”
Edinburgh Live has checked the availability of delivery slots at all the major supermarkets in the city which offer the service.
Customers are being asked to inform supermarkets if they are self isolating using the "delivery instructions" option on the order form.
“To be on the safe side, our drivers will be asking everyone they deliver to if they are self-isolating, so please don’t be offended if you’re asked", the email added.
Customers were told delivery drivers wouldn’t come into customers homes to drop off groceries, instead they would bag them and leave them on the mat.
“Lastly, to avoid having to touch our signature touchpad devices,your driver will ask if you’re happy with everything and then sign the order for you,” Tesco said.
Morrissons and Waitrose have similarly asked customers to let them know if they are self isolating by noting it on the order form or calling customer services.
Deliveroo emailed customers saying: “As well as providing restaurants with additional packaging and stickers to seal the delivery bags, we’re also launching a no-contact drop-off service which will mean you can request in the app that the rider leaves the food on your doorstep – removing the need for direct contact for both parties."
They have also launched a fund for their riders to ensure that any employees diagnosed with coronavirus are able to receive financial support while they take time off work.
