Coronavirus: Dicksons butchers urge people self-isolating to use home delivery app amid coronavirus outbreak

The family firm launched a new home delivery app in January, so South Shields residents could enjoy their favourite products from their own home.

Initially only available one day a week, the company recently introduced delivery from Friday-Sunday every weekend in the South Shields area.

Now, as the coronavirus continues to spread across the UK, there are plans to expand the service to cover seven days a week and deliver further afield.

On Monday, March 16, the Prime Minister urged people to “avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues” to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Anyone displaying symptoms, including a high temperature or a continuous cough, should stay at home for 14 days.

Click here for an interactive map of Covid-19 cases across the UK.

In the midst of this “unprecedented situation” Dicksons is using the app to manage demand and reach those who are vulnerable and unable to leave their homes.

Managing director, Chris Hayman, commented: “We are, like many other high street businesses, facing an unexpected and major interruption to normal processes due to the Covid-19 outbreak. This is an unprecedented situation and we are currently working with our staff and wider management team to ensure Dicksons can meet customer needs.

“We are now using the app to help manage customer demand with plans to expand the service to increase the delivery catchment area and availability to seven days a week from Monday, March 23.

“The delivery service will also be non-contact, meaning you can request in the app that your driver leaves food on your doorstep. We also request that if anyone knows vulnerable people within their community who may benefit from a food delivery service, please get in touch and we will do our utmost to provide access.”

Dicksons customers will be able to purchase most of the products available in-store for home delivery.

This includes meat bundles, meal solutions (which include pies to bake at home, bags of chips and peas or beans) or breakfast bundles, as well as the usual favourite Saveloy Dip.

Search Dicksons Collection and Delivery App on the app store to download.