Amid Covid-19, Should I Shop for Myself or Opt for Delivery?

In this time of lockdown, is it more ethical to order necessary items for delivery or to go get them myself? There are risks to others in both scenarios — whether to the workers or myself and my family. Is ordering for delivery helping to provide work for the delivery people or burdening that system by taking time away from those at higher risk than me? 

There are considerations on either side, but if you take the necessary precautions, it’s possible, in many areas, to do your own shopping relatively safely. You know the guidelines: Try to go when stores aren’t crowded; keep a six-foot distance from other people; practice proper hand hygiene; wear some sort of cloth face covering; handle only things you plan to take. Reputable stores have been taking extensive precautions, too.

Now, bear in mind that the main mode of coronavirus transmission seems to be person to person. That’s why curbside pickup, a third option, has advantages, too — for both shoppers and, critically, store employees. It’s also why having someone else do the shopping and drop the bags at your door will probably expose you to even lower risk. Unless you’re older or have some underlying medical condition that raises your risks, however, using a delivery service does indeed put you in competition with customers who have more reason to stay away from the store than you do, and in many places, delivery slots are in short supply. You’re right to be concerned about the welfare of workers. But right now, people who do food delivery literally have their hands full.