As billions of people shelter inside their homes, trying to avoid exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers on the front lines do not have the same privilege. Governments around the world consider their work to be essential. It is a sound decision, given that they’re delivering food and packages, stocking grocery store shelves and operating public transit. Often, they do that around the clock.
Shipping companies as FedEx, TNT, DHL, and the other Postal Service also are “critical infrastructure”. The governments treat them similarly. Therefore, they do not have to shut down. Shipping companies say they are following the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization guidelines. The companies also instituted contactless customer deliveries.
Workers on the front lines need protection more than ever
Uncountable grocery store workers around the world have also been deemed critical. Grocery store employees come into contact with high volumes of people daily, and supermarkets around are now sanitizing stores hourly. The cleaning process includes shopping carts, freezer doors, and even credit card pin pads. Now some institutions have special hours for shoppers over the age of 60, one of the highest risk groups.Â
For those who aren’t venturing into grocery stores, on-demand food delivery services are lifelines. Most companies perceived a 50% increase in demand just in the last week. It’s risky coming outside every day to do your job. However, many workers on the front lines feel like a superhero in a sense, saving the world from coronavirus.
The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus is practically forcing consumers to buy their groceries online. This habit can become definitive in the supermarket sector. But with people trapped in their homes after the virus, online shopping is increasing like never before.
The crush of demand
However, the increased demand that coronavirus has caused has overwhelmed grocery delivery and pickup services. This results in long waits for services, and in some countries it has caused cancellations and interruptions. Online purchases have increased, causing difficulties in logistics operations. In grocery stores, owners are struggling to adjust to the new scenario, hiring employees and trying to keep up with changes.
Delivery slots permitting, a home drop is less risky than a trip to a supermarket as you will avoid other shoppers. The risk of contamination is still possible considering the surface of any food or package, or from the delivery driver. The coronavirus may have forced the acceptance of online delivery and collection services. This causes a series of time-consuming solution challenges for smaller chains, before they can adequately prepare for this demand.
Read Too:
6 cheap items to acquire in order to work from home
While billions of people continue to show up to work, at least virtually, the virus continues to spread at a rapid rate. Nowadays, The United States, Italy and Spain already overtook China as the nations with the most confirmed cases. Workers on the front lines are so important that must be protected from coronavirus and also avoid contaminate others.
