Many locals in HCM City have decided to work as freelance delivery people to ensure a stable income during the COVID-19 outbreak. — VNS Photo An Phương

 An Phương

HCM CITY — As national social distancing is carried out to curb the spread of COVID-19, all nonessential businesses are closed but the number of online orders has increased significantly.

In HCM City, many people have decided to work as a delivery person in an effort to ensure a stable income. 

Nguyễn Hoàng Tú, 26, a resident of District 3, was once a salesperson for a technology firm.

“My company’s recent layoff has left me jobless for the moment. Even though I am single, I need to earn enough to pay my monthly rent,” he told Việt Nam News.

“COVID-19 has definitely messed with how people are going about their life, but I am trying to stay productive while doing my best to protect myself from the potential harm of the virus,” he said, adding that he is currently working for Grab.

“I'm lucky that I only need to deliver food and goods. Social distancing has really kept people indoors, ” he added.

Meanwhile, Nguyễn Trần Phong Vũ, 43, a resident of Gò Vấp District, said that he has been receiving more delivery orders, up 30 to 40 per cent compared to several months ago.

“I am booked more than 20 times per day and can earn about VNĐ500,000. I guess as most people are working from home now, they need to fill their stomach or have documents delivered,” he said.

“Even though I've encountered multiple risks delivering items in this sensitive period, I am glad to have something to do,” he added.

Recently, many ride hailing and delivery firms have introduced mart service, in which users can now ask them to buy goods at a certain supermarket and have everything delivered to their door.

Many locals agree that this is convenient, especially for stocking fresh fruit.

“I also buy flowers via Now. Staying at home too often without anything lively to take a look at is depressing, so I decided to go for flowers. Though they are expensive ordering online, I need them to brighten my day,” Trần Nguyễn Thanh Tâm, 38, a resident of Bình Thạnh District, said.

Tighter control

As suggested by the director of HCM City Department of Health, Nguyễn Tấn Bỉnh, relevant authorities need to compile a list of delivery services in each area and be ready for any new circumstance.

All delivery people are required to take measures to prevent the infection of COVID-19 at all steps, from taking to delivering the order.

According to Vũ, most eateries have allocated a bigger area for food pick-ups to ensure a safe distance of two metres among delivery people. 

“I wear a mask at all times and always remember to sanitise my hands before taking the food,” he said, adding that he appreciates how authorities have stepped up efforts to protect everyone.

“I understand that it is troublesome if I were to get in contact with a person who is F1 or F2," he said, referring to those who came in close contacts with confirmed cases, adding that he would try to practise safe distance as much as possible.

Recently, Grab introduced more pick-up options, including Contactless Delivery with GrabFood service.

GrabFood users can now choose the pick up locations, at the front door, at the reception counter, or elsewhere.

The delivery people then place the order at designated areas and leave.

For contactless delivery to work smoothly, all users are encouraged to pay their orders online before and sanitise their hands frequently during the entire process. — VNS