If you're looking for toilet paper, and the grocery store is completely sold out, the next place to turn for many is a delivery service like
Amazon. Feeling hungry, but don't want to risk exposure to COVID-19? Many might order from their favourite restaurant, and get someone to drop it off at their front door. But is that really ethical in the midst of a pandemic? Are you exposing others to the virus just so that you can avoid it?This is a pretty tricky ethical situation, and it was discussed recently in
a Wired article. Delivery workers are basically braving a world gripped by COVID-19 to bring products to people who would rather not, but there's also a very clear benefit. They're making money, something not everyone who has been affected by this pandemic can say, and that will only continue for as long as people keep ordering. Delivery workers typically don't get sick days or benefits, so continuing to use their service is essential to their livelihoods.Is there a right way to go about using (or not using) delivery services? For the most part, people should still get their own groceries. Be careful, and distance yourself from others, but if you're able to, then continue to shop on your own.If you aren't able, however, then order in. Follow
Health Canada's guidelines about how to reduce exposure, including getting the delivery person to leave the product on your front doorstep, and maintaining at least two metres between people at all times.The situation may not be ideal, but ordering in during the pandemic can be a saving grace to people who might find themselves out of work otherwise. Use the services sparingly, but use them![video_embed id='1924154']BEFORE YOU GO: Here’s how you can stay healthy when you're picking up your groceries[/video_embed]
