A 37-year-old GrabFood rider has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a Ministry of Health (MOH) announcement on Saturday (Mar. 14).

About Case 199

The 37-year-old rider, a Singaporean, has been identified as Case 199.

According to MOH, he was in Malaysia from Feb. 26 to Mar. 2. He reported onset of symptoms on Mar. 3.

More than a week later, on Mar. 12, he was referred by MOH to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). He was diagnosed on Mar. 13.

The ministry added that prior to hospital admission, he had gone to work as a food delivery personnel employed by GrabFood and visited Masjid Al-Mawaddah at Compassvale.

Rider temporarily suspended

In response to Mothership's queries, Grab said that they have reached out to the Ministry of Health for details of Case 199, so they may assist in contact tracing efforts.

They also said that any driver or delivery partners who test positive for Covid-19, or who are under Quarantine Order or Leave of Absence, will be temporarily suspended from the Grab platform.

The driver or delivery partner will also be provided with support packages, which include a one-time allowance and incentive programme adjustment.

Other precautionary measures

Grab also said that they have been enhancing precautionary measures.

They are encouraging GrabFood users to arrange for contactless deliveries by opting for cashless payment.

Users are encouraged to let their delivery partners know in advance to leave their food orders at their doorstep, or building’s reception area, in order to limit exposure.

A 24/7 feedback channel has also been set up to allow partners and consumers to inform Grab of any user who may seem unwell.

Top photo via Unsplash, M Khairi Al Jawhari/Facebook