The toll of COVID-19 on businesses is harsh. Many experts are arguing that there will be more bankrupt people and businesses than fatalities by the time the pandemic eases. The community quarantine imposed by the government on Metro Manila isn’t helping either.

Most shopping malls are closing their doors amid the outbreak and in response to the local curfew ordinances that restrict human traffic come 8 p.m.

Power Plant Mall, one of the malls to declare closure as early as last weekend, still has operating tenants, most of which are restaurants and food establishments counting on deliveries to make up for the loss of in-store diners.

“With very low revenue that couldn’t even cover operational expenses, business owners are currently pushed to a corner with very little options. But one thing’s for sure, as much as possible they don’t want to let go of employees,” a story on how restaurateurs are affected by the pandemic by F&B Report said.

[READ: The grave repercussions of COVID-19 to Filipino chefs and restaurateurs]

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Lampara in Poblacion, a modern Filipino concept, has temporarily stopped its dining service but is still functional for deliveries and in-store pick-up.

“Yes, we put ourselves at risk with the decision to keep on operating but the fear of having no income for [our service staff] is even greater,” says Lampara co-owner and chef RJ Ramos. “It’s not even to make a profit now but just to keep things afloat for the team and their families.”

Starting Monday, Mar. 16 they will launch Lampara Lite, a delivery service that was supposed to be a dietary meal plan provider but in the meantime will be delivering straightforward weekly meal plans.

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Food photographer and creative Gabby Cantero’s Studio Cantero in a bid to help spread awareness to the public about restaurants open for delivery, is making an online directory. “Pa-deliver, Please” lists down restaurants in Metro Manila areas and nearby cities like Antipolo.

And if you are wary about ordering food at all out of fear of contamination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no evidence yet to prove that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food. Transmissions are still largely through human interaction.

Contactless delivery

GrabFood and LalaFood, two food delivery service intermediaries, last week announced that they will be implementing contactless delivery. How do you do that exactly?

Here’s how you could support local restaurants while still ensuring your own and the delivery-partners’ safety.

Check out which restaurants are still open for delivery within your area

One quick way to check is to visit their social media pages. Most are open for delivery as well as in-store pickup. Note that proximity is vital as delivery services observe a radius.

Order via food delivery service apps or directly to the restaurants by calling in

To order, call your restaurant of choice directly or order through apps like GrabFood, FoodPanda and LalaFood.

Pay through cashless means like credit or debit card or digital payment systems

To avoid having to exchange money and make tactile contact, the use of cashless payments like credit and debit cards and online payments are encouraged.

If a cashless option is not available, place cash payment in an envelope and leave it where the food order is

Communicate drop off location to delivery partner (lobby, gate, guardhouse)

Image result for inquirer.net grabfood — *Photo courtesy of Inquirer*

Since social distancing is highly recommended, some residences like buildings and condominiums are restricting entry of couriers and delivery-partners. For home delivery, you can tell the delivery person to drop the order outside.

A distance of at least 6 ft or 2 m should be observed between the delivery-partner and you.

person in red helmet riding motorcycle — *Oh, and don’t call them up when weather conditions are unfavorable. Photo by Latrach Med Jamil on Unsplash*

[READ: Joking about food delivery hotlines as “emergency hotlines” during a storm isn’t funny]

Be patient

Remember, these people are doing you a favor by braving the streets for your convenience. There may be minor delays to delivery, but what’s waiting a little longer compared to their hard work and drive to still deliver and earn money amid a pandemic? We also suggest you order out only when you absolutely have to—you don’t want to put yourself and delivery people at risk.

Tip them generously

As a thank you for their service, it is basic order etiquette to tip. This can be in the form of cash (electronic or physical) or gifts like alcohol or hand sanitizer that can help them better arm themselves against COVID-19.