Food delivery companies have been forced to suspend operations during the intense hours of heat in parts of Europe.
As Southern Europe bakes in heat over 100°F or 40°C, countries that have seen some of the most scorching heat have directed food delivery companies to ensure couriers are not out in the sweltering sun at its peak.
In Greece and Cyprus, two countries that have seen some of their highest temperatures in recent memory, authorities have ordered services be paused during the hottest hours of the day in the afternoon.
Doordash-owned Wolt, which operates in several Mediterranean countries, has received such orders in Greece and Cyprus, a spokesperson for the Greek, Cypriot and Maltese markets said.
“In Greece, we called off deliveries between 12pm and 5pm, for the days that that the temperature reached over 40 degrees, according to the authorities’ direction. We will do so again if and when needed,” he said.
“In Cyprus, we have also received a direction from the Ministry of Labour, according to which we monitor daily the warnings of the national meteorological service and we will call off deliveries in case of orange or red alarm.”
A red alarm, the most severe warning level has not been issued yet, he added, and Malta has issued no directive similar to its neighbors.
In the absence of government orders, companies operating in countries affected by the heatwave are issuing guidance to riders but not ordering them to stop outright.
Glovo, the Spanish company owned by Delivery Hero, said it allows its riders to choose when they take breaks to avoid being in the sun.
“At Glovo we are conducting local waterstop campaigns for riders to stay hydrated. Measures include the distribution of water bottles through our Courier Centers, Micro Fulfilment Centers (MFCs) as well as through collaborating with local restaurant and retail partners who provide water to couriers,” a spokesperson said.
“Glovo is continuously assessing the measures in place during extreme weather conditions, and whether additional measures are required.”
Deliveroo, another large player in European food delivery, said it too provides water to riders.
“The health and safety of our riders is extremely important to us. That’s why we communicate regularly with riders during heatwaves to share safety advice, and we make sure water bottles are available to them,” the company said.
“Our rider portal hosts online training on how to work safely in heatwaves and our support channel is always available for riders to get in touch with any concerns.”
The Cerberus heatwave scorched Europe for much of July with countries in the south like Greece and Italy being the worst hit, with temperatures clocking in over 40°C.
Read the full article here
