Domino’s launches contact-free deliveries for customers concerned about coronavirus with drivers leaving orders in agreed locations then standing two metres away until they are collected
- Domino’s drivers will call customers to arrange a drop off point when they arrive
- The delivery riders will then stay at least two metres away while order is checked
- CEO David Wild reassured customers the pizza chain is upping its hygiene
- It comes after Deliveroo announced similar no-contact drop off measures
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Domino’s has announced it will launch no-contact drop offs in an effort to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
Concerns had been raised that an increased demand for food delivery services from housebound Brits would cause the virus to be spread by delivery staff as they go from home to home.
But now the pizza takeaway giant said its drivers will call the customer when they arrive to arrange a drop off point, then stay at least two metres away while the order is checked and confirmed to be correct.
Domino’s has announced it will launch no-contact drop offs in an effort to minimise the spread of coronavirus
Deliveries must be paid for in advance online or over the phone.
Domino’s CEO David Wild said in a statement that the company hoped to safeguard both its customers and drivers.
He said: ‘For customers who want to feel even safer when ordering, from next week we will launch Contact Free Delivery.
‘This service comes at no additional charge and is in response to some customers wishing to limit physical contact during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
A Deliveroo rider wears a surgical face mask in Cardiff city centre on March 8 in Cardiff
‘By introducing Contact Free Delivery, we believe that we will give our customers peace of mind when ordering a Domino’s, while also protecting our delivery drivers.’
Mr Wild also reassured customers that the pizza chain would continue to maintain its ‘very high hygiene standards an strict food handling procedures’.
Domino’s has also increased hand washing and sanitisation at its many franchised outlets.
On Thursday, takeaway app Deliveroo announced similar measures where riders would arrange to leave food on the doorstep.
Deliveroo has already provided restaurants with extra packaging to keep food protected from the virus during the preparation and delivery process.
In a note to customers CEO Will Shu said: ‘In light of the uncertainty we all face in our daily lives with the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), I wanted to write to you directly to keep you informed of the steps I’ve asked my team at Deliveroo to take to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios.
The UK’s death rate has doubled overnight as a further ten patients died from the coronavirus. The total number of cases in the UK leapt from 820 this morning to 1,145 this afternoon
‘My absolute number one priority is the safety of customers, riders and restaurants, no matter what happens.’
Deliveroo also announced a hardship fund offering financial support for riders who contract Covid-19, as well as those who are forced to self-isolate because of the pandemic.
Its competitor, UberEats said they are working to provide drivers with disinfectants to help them keep their vehicles clean.
They added that customers can leave a note on the app asking the courier to leave food at the door.
The new measures come as the UK’s coronavirus death rate almost doubled overnight as ten more people died, bringing the country’s total to 21.
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said the ten who died ‘were in the at-risk groups’.
The total number of cases in the UK leapt from 820 this morning to 1,145 this afternoon.