Delivery services have responded to the increasing pressures the industry is facing from the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing new safety measures for customers and drivers.
Menulog, Deliveroo and Uber Eats now offer ‘no contact’ delivery options that can be selected by customers when ordering food.
In the case of Deliveroo, there is a dedicated contactless delivery option that can be selected during the checkout process.
Delivery drivers will alert the customer once they arrive at their location, put the delivery case on the ground, step back one metre and wait for the customer to take their food.
“The safety of our riders and customers is our top priority,” said a Deliveroo spokesperson. “That is why we are launching a new, contact-free delivery service.
“We remain in daily contact with local health officials to make sure we are offering the safest service possible to customers, riders and restaurants.”
Deliveroo riders also have the option to select contactless deliveries by communicating with the customer before their arrival.
Menulog has also confirmed the option is now available to the order to customers.
“In order to help customers follow Australian Government, New Zealand Government (New Zealand restaurants) and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations on social distancing to help prevent the spread of illness, customers can request ‘contactless’ deliveries,” reads a statement on the platform’s website.
Users login, order and checkout as usual and request contactless delivery in the notes section.
A similar arrangements applies for Uber Eats where users can leave a note in the delivery instructions requesting their food to be left.
Takeaway and delivery sales are projected to soar with the rising number of Australians practicing social distancing or undergoing quarantine.
Restaurants such as Barbetta in Sydney and Melbourne’s Made in the Shade Group are now offering prepared meals and hampers for customers to take away to open up a new revenue stream as more and more people steer clear of public places.