Deliveroo Introduces ‘No-Contact’ Delivery as Coronavirus Safeguard

London restaurant delivery company Deliveroo has formally introduced “no-contact” delivery in an effort to proof its operations against novel coronavirus, which has led numerous London restaurants to temporarily close and/or introduce restaurant delivery.

Deliveroo’s “no-contact” is a new product feature: a box-ticked at check out will inform the company’s riders to leave a food delivery outside the diner’s door. Riders can also select the “no-contact” option on their end. Uber Eats, meanwhile, has affirmed that it will introduce the feature as an additional comment or note on a given delivery; it also promises to financially support any drivers told to self-isolate for up to 14 days. Just Eat introduced “contactless” delivery at the end of last week.

Eater understands from sources in the industry that a number of restaurants in the city are signing up to Deliveroo and Uber Eats for the first time in order to mitigate the impact on business over the coming days and weeks. Others are making the necessary preparations in order that they can “press the button” if the situation worsens. Deliveroo and Uber Eats told Eater last week that they were unable to share data on upturns in sales through the apps since the outbreak. Both companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment on any increase in restaurant partner sign-ups; neither company has announced a reduction or freeze on commission as yet.

More soon.