As the flow on affects from the spread of Covid-19 continue to have an unprecedented impact across industries, businesses are having to rapidly adapt to the evolving situation.
The current climate is especially tumultuous for service based sectors, including convenience, hospitality and retail.
Internationally, the crisis has sparked lock-downs across the globe, forcing many European countries, including Italy and Spain into virtual-home isolation, while France has closed bars, cafes and restaurants.
While Australia are yet to introduce extreme measures, the government’s social distancing contingencies – including bans on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and guidelines to keep a 1.5 metre distance between people, are forcing business to think creatively in order to continue trading.
Many cafes no longer accept reusable cups, have switched to take-away cups only for dine-in customers and are encouraging contactless payments.
Fast food giant KFC have gone a step further, operating as a drive-thru, pick-up and delivery only service, closing up shop to any dine-in patrons.
Many other restaurants, cafes and bars/pubs are also offering their menu for take-away/delivery, some with substantial price reductions.
Petrol retailers are also looking for ways to reduce contact. OTR have implemented measures across stores to give customers added reassurance and to protect staff.
Customers will now have the option to pay for fuel at the pump and to pre-order coffee and essentials – minimising the time in-store for pickups and with a drive-through option where available.
They are also being encouraged to pay by card, rather than cash, where possible.
While supermarkets continue to enforce product purchase limits, reduce opening hours to allow for restocking and have introduced special community hours to allow the elderly and vulnerable community members to shop with easier access to goods amid continued panic buying.