Shelter-in-place: Expand on-island deliveries to non-essential goods
From "Suggestions to stimulate economic recovery for Bermudians once Shelter in Place ends"
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The shelter-in-place guidelines have residents spending most of our lives confined to our houses. Whilst we can receive deliveries of essentials it would be great to be able to receive non-essential deliveries from Bermuda's businesses and from overseas.
I would propose that businesses be allowed to operate on a delivery basis only, like in many other countries around the world. The WHO states it is safe to receive packages as the risk of catching the COVID-19 virus from a delivery package is low.
Is this not a better solution than the current Government proposal to open select businesses (e.g. hardware stores, pet shops, etc.) in the coming weeks? As permitting deliveries would not only ensure that residents do not have to congregate in one location to buy goods (increasing the risk of community transmission) but also this would allow our businesses to continue to trade during the lockdown if they wanted to.
Several countries (UK, US, etc) around the world have only permitted businesses to trade via delivery. Deliveries of takeaway food, retail goods and Fedex/DHL are still operating in other countries. (Currently our overseas deliveries are being held at Fedex/DHL offices as they are not permitted to deliver on island).
I fully understand there may be flaws in my argument as I am not in Government and I am definitely not a virus scientist! I just find it confusing that we cannot maintain deliveries when other countries are perfectly able to; especially given the WHO advice that it is safe to receive deliveries. I suppose the main issue we might have is if there are sufficient taxis and delivery professionals available to meet demand, or are they already fully employed supplying the essential delivery of groceries to our community?
Long story short I'm sure everyone would appreciate the joy of being able to enjoy a Ruby Murray's, ordering a proper work desk & chair to allow easier work-from-home conditions or receiving a package from loved ones abroad...
It would certainly make shelter-in-place a lot more enjoyable!
