Following the social distancing measures, Indians are staying at home to flatten the curve. And while the country practices social distancing, people in India are relying on e-commerce for home deliveries of essentials to their doorstep.
Other than stepping out for only essentials, and relying on online portals to have them delivered is also a possibility.
But some people are concerned if it is a safe bet? Let’s have a look at all the factors and myths surrounding the online orders :-
Online e-commerce giant Amazon has implemented a series of preventative hygiene measures across its sites to help keep associates delivery partners, and customers safe. Let’s take you through some myths around online deliveries, from the pov of Amazon, one of the most popular e-commerce sites in India.
Here are some popular myths debunked.
Myth: It is unsafe to order online during lockdown
One of the most common myths surrounding online orders during lockdown is that it is not a safe option. In order to keep the safety under check, Amazon has changed the process of deliveries. Delivery associates, right from the start to end of routes clean all frequently touched surfaces of their vehicles and delivery devices. Furthermore, delivery associates have also been asked to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or cleaning agent.
In addition to this, Amazon has mandated all delivery associates to stay home if they feel sick or have a fever.
Myth: Receiving a package at doorstep is risky.
Another myth doing the rounds amongst people is that it is risky to receive a package from the delivery associate at doorstep. Amazon had addressed the issue way back, keeping the social distancing measures in mind. It is called- NO CONTACT DELIVERY! The delivery associate places your package at your doorstep and maintains a 2 metre distance.
Myth: Delivery associates operate without the permissions.
The myth that has been surrounding the permission to delivery associates is faulty in itself as the Government of India has permitted e-commerce players like Amazon to deliver essential goods during the lockdown. Local authorities have also expedited the process to provide limited passes to delivery associates which is enabling them to deliver customer orders without facing any kind of issues on-ground.
Myth: Exchange/return products at doorstep is okay during Lockdown
In order to maintain social distancing and as a precautionary measure, Amazon has temporarily suspended processes that demand any kind of interaction and engagement at the customer doorstep.
Myth: Online delivery guys work in spaces that are unclean or overcrowded
This myth must have taken birth when two people just fell short of a topic. This is worth noting that Amazon has increased the frequency of regular sanitization of door handles, scanners, touch screens and other areas which are touched frequently. Everyone at the work area is advised to maintain a safe distance from each other.
While studies show that coronavirus can survive on cardboard boxes, the general World Health Organization Advisory (WHO) asks you to discard the box after retrieving the item from inside it, and then washing your hands to get rid of the virus.
In addition to this, Amazon, in a statement, has advised the following to their delivery associates :-
- Delivery associates should clean the areas which are frequently touched like vehicles, delivery devices etc.
- In case of fever or sickness, the delivery associates are mandated to Stay Home.
- In order to maintain social distancing, delivery associates are asked to place the package at a distance of 2 meters.
- Exchange and return of products have been temporarily suspended.
- The frequency of site cleaning and its frequency has increased.
(Amazon guidelines are printed as issued by source)
