Online outlets induce cognizance on safety after boost in sales


As Coronavirus is taking over the world, online pharmacies have seen an increase in their orders as Indians switch to online purchases for fear of the spread of contamination with COVID-19. Consumer Internet providers are increasing demand for hygienic and safety steps for home service agents and customers. The need for exchanging house products with other houses can also set to increase chances of contamination exponentially, with almost 60 people checking for the suspected virus nationally, according to managers of the sector who improve protection and hygiene procedures for employees and customers. Consumer internet providers are building awareness about the health and safety measures both for the distribution agents and the users hoping in rising online transactions in the next few months, even announcing a decrease of shoppers in malls by about a quarter in the past couple of weeks.

The largest online pharmacy in the world named Medlife stated that searches have increased by 40percent and orders for face masks and hand sanitizers has increased in the recent days. Prashant Tandon, founder and CEO of 1MG shared a research where people are not wanting to step out in certain areas where there is high chance of infection.1MG also added that the requests for gloves, sanitizers and disinfectant clothes on the website have increased significantly as well. Also with rapid growth in demand for vitamins and immunity increasing medicines, customers are relying on online consulting and other facilities such as home diagnostics. According to Tandon, online pharmacies, telemedicine and other online models have allowed customers to access their medicines and advises without requirement to step outside. 1MG has generated millions of videos on the topic of safety and precaution while a startup named Leena AI developed a chatbot for human resource virtual assistance to address COVID-19’s queries. Also, the organizations have specifically tested their workers through pick up points and centers and has introduced additional safety precautions such as cleaning and disinfecting distribution booths after each order or demands.

All of these firms also introduced a number of initiatives from instructional videos to rigorous monitoring at last-mile sites, including food delivery, cabs and ecommerce operations which helps delivery agents and costumer stay out of danger and fear of spreading and encourages online transaction so there is no physical contact or transmission. Swiggy and Zomato, online food supply chain, said they offer regular advisories to vendors lately. It also implemented guidance on ways to end threats as well as on detecting early symptoms for its manufacturer suppliers and cloud kitchen staff so they are aware of what steps can be taken if any symptoms show up. Online grocery app Grofers also informs consumers that they are expected to pay on a wireless basis through online transactions. "Although cash on arrival is the chosen distribution method, it may also be a source of virus transmission between citizens and stop the hunt at the door and swap messages, "CEO Albinder Dhindsa advises.

Red alert for on field workers by Ola and Uber also brief drivers with in-app tips on precautionary and educational videos on the ride-hailing front, so as to fully understand the scope of the virus. As Ola confirms that all its walk-in centers around towns are provided with healthcare consultation products, sanitizers and goggles, while Uber has set up a dedicated department, led by global specialist consultancy in the field of public health, safety and security.