Amid coronavirus, KFC & Pizza Hut start contactless delivery service in China

KFC and Pizza Hut have introduced a contactless delivery service in China in order to reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of the deadly Wuhan-based coronavirus that continues to spread throughout the country. 

While placing an order online, customers can select the “contactless delivery” option and couriers will call to set a delivery location. Couriers will be waiting until the customer shows up before they take the food out of its carrying case and put it on the delivery location agreed on by both parties in advance.

Then, couriers will step back and watch from a distance of at least 10 feet as the customer picks up the food and leaves. Couriers are required to wear masks and disinfect their hands and delivery boxes following each delivery. 

Parent company Yum China said in a statement, “The health and wellbeing of our employees and customers is our top priority and the innovative new services will help reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of the coronavirus and protect our employees and customers.”

Contactless in-store pickup service

KFC and Pizza Hut have also launched a contactless in-store pickup service at several locations. These stores have installed the pickup racks.

All orders, both in-store and takeout, will be having takeout packaging in a bid to avoid exposing the food to potential viruses in the air.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, person-to-person transmission of the deadly Wuhan-based coronavirus takes place during close contact, or within about 6 feet, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This virus has killed at least 362 people and infected over 17,000 worldwide.