China's couriers take hands-off approach amid virus
China's armies of racing, swerving motorcycle deliverymen have been hailed as saviours during the coronavirus crisis, keeping shut-in citizens fed and stocked up.
But it's come with major adjustments for couriers like Gao Yuchao.
A Shanghai driver for leading meal take-out service ele.me, Gao's job has changed: his temperature is taken several times daily at restaurants and delivery points, he wears not one but two masks for protection, and frequently disinfects his delivery box.
Gone is the routine hand-off to hungry customers -- ele.me and other platforms have moved to "contactless" delivery to guard against infection, dropping parcels off outside gated communities due to paranoia over the virus.
"We're not safe for them. It's understandable that some people have courier-phobia," said Gao, 30.
"It's more protective and hygienic for everyone." Tens of millions have been effectively quarantined in the virus epicentre in central China, but communities across the country also have ...