Offering help and support to introduce this demographic to online ordering systems could certainly help, but given the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic right now, I feel the most worthy solution would be for the most popular online distribution channels of essential supplies (the major supermarkets, I largely refer) to provide them with order and delivery priority.
The simplest and therefore lowest potential risk solution is to create a graded categorisation of how important it is that they can get their supplies in this way. For example, to include, as well as those shielding, their carers — professionally or informally, key workers with demanding work schedules and/or with children, and those who already use online ordering in aid of physical or mental disabilities. The criteria could include age ranges and existing health conditions.
It is conceivable that the safest and most effective option would be to simply disallow access to all those not permitted in the times of greatest transmission. This could be a preliminary step, with further access to all others permitted if supply and logistics outstrip demand beyond an agreed margin.
The degree to which it may become restricted to those fulfilling the criteria, I believe, presents the only downside. I think most of us would find it entirely acceptable when considering what these sacrifices can mean. An obvious challenge is how to inform those identified as eligible and to then administer their orders. Postal letters and follow-up phone calls could well satisfy the former (this could include a list of all participatory suppliers and various user guides); with the most vulnerable groups targeted first. Administrative helpers could satisfy the latter; which could include family, friends, neighbours, volunteers, and possibly paid staff — all of whom could be local or distant, depending on what is needed — which could be ascertained in response to this initial contact. Hence, support teams to collect this information and to thereafter respond to queries, by telephone, email, and website support, would certainly be necessary.
What I love about this solution is that we can use the well-established fruits of what is the difficult part — the order processing and logistics — that has already been developed by the private sector, while its owners would be, I’m sure, happy to oblige. They will continue to receive a return on their investments while helping us all through these challenging times. I genuinely do believe that they care about our society-at-large. Indeed, I would expect that voluntary participation would be all that is required. With a little government support (outlined below), I think they would rush to rally to the call.
The participatory organizations will need to build a little extra logic into their software but this would not be too challenging for their systems engineers; speaking as one who has been one such professional. However, I feel that government support to implement this could be a favorable gesture, and certainly towards the testing required prior to going live.
Also, this solution can be almost entirely, if not entirely, set up and administered by home-working individuals; beyond the home-visits that would be sometimes necessary. It would require a relatively small budgetary investment and could bring enormous benefit to our efforts to protect those who have been identified to be at risk of COVID-19.
I deeply thank you for taking the time to read this and for giving us this opportunity.
I will look forward to hearing from you
Best wishes
Paul
793-11