Coronavirus: Domino’s readies for ‘zero contact’ delivery

Domino’s could soon ban close personal contact between its pizza delivery workers and hungry consumers.

Domios may stop contact between delivery staff and customers. Picture: AAP

The nation’s biggest pizza chain Domino’s could soon ban close personal contact between its pizza delivery workers and consumers, including keeping distances at its stores for pick-up orders as the coronavirus pandemic triggers a clamps down on social interaction.

Domino’s Pizza, the ASX-listed pizza chain that operates stores in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and parts of Western Europe including France, will initiate a range of measures to limit social contact in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement issued on Monday, Domino’s said it was following the advice of government and health authorities to ensure, as far as practicably possible, it stores could continue to safely operate and deliver meals to customers.

Stores in France were being permitted to serve customers through delivery and takeaway, following recent government initiatives to deal with COVID-19

But the pizza chain is prepared to move to 100 per cent “zero contact” ordering if necessary. That means that pizzas delivered to homes or other properties would be left at the doorstep, with staff keeping a distance from consumers.

“Domino’s Pizza Enterprises recognises the seriousness and urgency of COVID-19 and the unprecedented steps that are necessary to counter this crisis," the company said.

“In response, the company has implemented procedures to offer customers zero contact delivery, and zero contact takeaway in all markets.”

Domino’s chief executive Don Meij said the safety of team members and customers was the retailer’s priority.

“Teams in all nine countries have been monitoring government health recommendations and requirements, reviewing and updating operational procedures and business continuity processes to ensure, as far as practicably possible, stores can continue to safely operate in this unprecedented environment,” Mr Meij said.

“Customers have responded well to the initiatives we are implementing, recognising we are putting their safety and wellbeing, and that of our team members, first.

“In France the government has taken steps to limit the opening of many businesses as part of its strategy to deal with COVID-19. Our carry-out and delivery procedures are not affected by these initiatives at this time. In the Netherlands, government regulations mean that we have now ceased dine-in at our stores, but delivery is unaffected at this time.”

Management is confident in the ability of stores to rapidly update procedures to reflect local conditions, Domino’s said.

“We recognise the trust and approval of our customers and the community is a privilege and a significant responsibility. We believe it is possible to live up to this responsibility, to continue to safely prepare millions of meals for our customers each week, delivering to those who are staying at home, and to provide employment for more than 50,000 team members around the world.”