Amazon delivery myths during lockdown; debunked and explained

As the country practices social distancing, people in India are relying on e-commerce for home deliveries of essentials to their doorstep. With services resuming city by city, associates across the fulfilment network have come forward to help customers stay home and stay safe. In these unprecedented times, Amazon has implemented a series of preventative hygiene measures across its sites to help keep associates delivery partners, and customers safe.

However, there are several myths around the safety of your Amazon delivery. Here are some of them explained

1. Myth: “Online orders are not safe during lockdown”

Fact: Amazon has made many changes to the process of how customers receive their package to protect the health and safety of the customer and the delivery associate. At the start and end of routes, delivery associates have been advised to clean all frequently touched surfaces of their vehicles and delivery devices. Delivery associates have 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. Furthermore, Amazon has mandated all delivery associates to stay home if they feel sick or have a fever. Hence, your Amazon delivery is safe!

2. Myth: “Receiving a package from the delivery associate at doorstep is risky”

Fact: Amazon cares for the health and safety of its customers and associates and as an added measure of safety has temporarily changed the way it’s delivering your items. Based on regional regulations and social distancing requirements in the new process, the delivery associate will place your package at your doorstep and maintain a 2 metre distance. In case there is limited space at the doorstep, the package will be placed in a suitable location that the associate will request you to identify, while maintaining a distance of 2 metres.

3. Myth: “Delivery associates operate without the right permissions during the lockdown”

Fact: The Government of India has permitted e-commerce players like Amazon to deliver essential goods during the lockdown. Following this, the local authorities have 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.

4. Myth: “It’s ok to exchange/return products at my doorstep during lockdown”

In order to adhere to social distancing, and as additional precautionary measure Amazon has temporarily suspended processes that require interaction and engagement at the customer doorstep.

5. Myth: “Online delivery associates operate in crowded unclean work spaces”

Fact: As per the guidance from local authorities, and the World Health Organization (WHO), Amazon has increased the frequency and intensity of cleaning at all sites, including regular sanitization of door handles, handrails, touch screens, scanners, and other frequently touched areas. The work stations are regularly cleaned and disinfected and everyone is advised to maintain a safe distance from each other. Amazon is also raising awareness among its associates through regular communication which includes requirements that everyone wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.