Deliveroo launches ‘no contact’ drop-off service to help stop spread of coronavirus

DELIVEROO is launching a “no contact” drop-off service for customers who are worried about the spread of coronavirus.

App users will now be able to ask for their food to be left on their doorstep, removing the need for direct contact with the person delivering.

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Deliveroo also confirmed that restaurants who use their service will be provided with additional packaging and stickers to make sure delivery bags are sealed properly.

Deliveroo announced the update in an email to subscribers this morning.

The message, which comes from Deliveroo founder Will Shu, reads: “In light of the uncertainty we all face in our daily lives with the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)… I’ve asked my team at Deliveroo to take to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios.

“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 your rider leaves the food on your doorstep – removing the need for direct contact for both parties.”

Deliveroo told The Sun that the “no contact” service will be available to customers from early next week, although it didn’t give an exact launch date.

In the meantime, app users can write a delivery note instructing their rider to leave their food on the doorstep.

A spokesperson told The Sun: “At Deliveroo we are taking action to keep our customers, riders and restaurants safe.”

So far, 460 people in the UK have tested positive for COVID-19 with eight deaths reported at the time of writing.

The spread has left panicked Brits stockpiling household essentials including toilet roll, pet food, pasta, rice and nappies.

High street stores and supermarkets have also been stripped of anti bacterial hand sanitiser products.

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