Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the government of India has extended the lockdown till May 31, 2020. However, the extended lockdown comes with the relaxation of rules for improving the economy of the country. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart have started delivering non-essential products in the country, including Red zones.
The service resumed after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued new guidelines related to lockdown 4.0, which allows e-commerce platforms to deliver non-essential items in the country. Earlier, the e-commerce platforms could sell only essential products. But during lockdown 3.0, the MHA allowed e-commerce websites to sell both essential and non-essential products in Orange and Green zones.
The delivery of non-essential products will not be allowed in containment zones. The containment zones or areas with higher coronavirus cases will be closely monitored, and only medical emergencies and delivery of essential goods such as groceries will be allowed. However, customers living in the Green, Orange, and Red zones will be able to order non-essential products such as smartphones, laptops, and other electronic items without any issue.
All delivery agents are required to follow safety guidelines, including masks and sanitizers while handling the package. The e-commerce platform, Amazon has promised no contact delivery. The delivery associate will place the order on the customer’s doorstep and will move back to maintain a 2-meter distance. For cash on delivery orders, Amazon recommends paying using net banking, credit, or debit card through the pay-link sent via SMS at the time of delivery. To pay by cash, Amazon recommends placing the cash on top of the delivery box and move back to maintain distance.
