MARCH 31 — The business of food deliveries in the age of the coronavirus has been devastating for the industry.

The adverse economic impact stemming from the movement control order (MCO) has diminished the income of restauranteurs, petty traders and gig workers in various industries and outfits.

Let’s face it: Food is crucial during the MCO. Disruptions to the food supply chain has been catastrophic.

The supply chain — restaurants, supermarkets, food delivery and grocery services — can keep the economy going, but in a limited capacity.

We strongly feel that there is no clear case or evidence of contamination through food delivery: In fact, contracting the virus from grocery shopping is riskier.

Delivery risks, if any, would be from contact with the delivery rider. However, food establishments now offer contactless deliveries and best practices in food handling.

Food packaging can be discarded, disinfected and disposed like grocery bags or other products we buy.

Contrary to public opinion, food deliverers lose revenue during Covid-19, attributable to restricted F&B opening hours, limited riders, and outlet and road closures.

Many F&B establishments struggle to adapt to the takeaway/delivery only method while deliverers operate at reduced capacity.

Food deliverers support local businesses and hence, the economy.

They provide revenue for F&B outlets, hawkers, petty traders and riders in the gig economy, many from the B40 segment.

Food deliverers are the few employers during the MCO that still stimulates the economy by providing employment, helping small traders, hawkers and businesses in F&B to stay alive.

The government needs to ensure the security of companies within the essential services so that these businesses can continue to support the economy.

These businesses provide employment for many B40s in the following chain: