Dad in disbelief after Uber Eats worker admission: ‘This is a food safety issue’
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Friday nights can be the best—you switch off, spend time with your loved ones, and order and treat them to a takeaway dinner if you like.
But a recent experience by this family has left them rethinking their next food delivery.
Brady Wishnowsky, a father from New Zealand, had ordered a McDonald’s meal from Uber Eats for his nine-year-old son Kaiden, who had previously suffered severely from COVID-19.
However, their plans took an unexpected turn when they received a shocking text from the Uber Eats driver, revealing that he had COVID-19 and would be leaving the food order on their doorstep.
The intended Friday night treat for the immunocompromised son never made it to the table; instead, it was discarded as a precaution due to Kaiden’s prior bout with the virus.
Brady had also battled the disease and narrowly avoided hospitalisation.
Sharing his concerns with news publication Stuff, the disappointed dad pointed out that while he understands isolation is not currently required, ‘when you're working with food, it's a no-brainer.’
Legal mandates for isolation have been lifted in New Zealand and Australia.
However, it remains recommended that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 engage in a self-isolation period of at least five days, even if symptoms are mild.
According to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, COVID-19 is classified as a respiratory disease rather than a foodborne illness.
The authority stressed that no evidence suggests that individuals can contract the virus by ingesting it through food or drink.
Although Brady appreciated the Uber Eats worker’s effort for a contactless delivery, he believed the driver shouldn't have been working in the first place.
‘My instant thought was if that’s the case, why the heck are you delivering food that you’ve had to go into a restaurant to pick up and then sit it in the car with you?’ he asked.
Brady found the experience frustrating, particularly when he sought answers from Uber Eats through the app and over the phone, only to be redirected to a specialist support team.
‘I said this is a food safety issue,’ Brady explained. ‘In my opinion, it’s no different to someone having [gastroenteritis].’
Despite the refund, Brady remained dissatisfied, still being left without an explanation for the incident.
‘I’ve got no plans to use them again at the moment, it’s put my trust off,’ he added.
In a statement to Yahoo News Australia, an Uber spokesperson noted the company’s adherence to government COVID guidelines and discouraged Uber Eats delivery drivers from working while infected.
‘Across Australia and New Zealand, Uber follows the Government's public health advice on Covid-19. Throughout the pandemic Uber introduced and updated its policies, app features, reporting functions, and guidance to align with current public health advice,’ said the spokesperson.
‘While all COVID-19 isolation requirements have now been removed, we recommend that all delivery partners follow public health advice, and we continue to provide them with up-to-date information as this changes. We encourage delivery partners who feel unwell, for whatever reason, to stay at home.’
Testing positive for COVID-19
Members here’s what you can do if you or someone you know is COVID-19 positive, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.
If you’ve tested positive, taking responsible steps can make a significant impact. Avoid high-risk settings like hospitals and care facilities for at least seven days or until symptoms vanish—except when immediate medical care is necessary.
If you need support or information, the COVID-19 helpline at 1800 020 080 is available 24/7. Your proactive measures can play a crucial role in safeguarding your community.
Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Should a delivery rider with COVID-19 refrain from working, or is the safety measure of leaving the food outside enough?
Share your opinions in the comments below!
But a recent experience by this family has left them rethinking their next food delivery.
Brady Wishnowsky, a father from New Zealand, had ordered a McDonald’s meal from Uber Eats for his nine-year-old son Kaiden, who had previously suffered severely from COVID-19.
However, their plans took an unexpected turn when they received a shocking text from the Uber Eats driver, revealing that he had COVID-19 and would be leaving the food order on their doorstep.
The Uber Eats driver texted about COVID-19, intending to leave the delivery on the doorstep. Image source: Stuff
The intended Friday night treat for the immunocompromised son never made it to the table; instead, it was discarded as a precaution due to Kaiden’s prior bout with the virus.
Brady had also battled the disease and narrowly avoided hospitalisation.
Sharing his concerns with news publication Stuff, the disappointed dad pointed out that while he understands isolation is not currently required, ‘when you're working with food, it's a no-brainer.’
Legal mandates for isolation have been lifted in New Zealand and Australia.
However, it remains recommended that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 engage in a self-isolation period of at least five days, even if symptoms are mild.
According to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, COVID-19 is classified as a respiratory disease rather than a foodborne illness.
The authority stressed that no evidence suggests that individuals can contract the virus by ingesting it through food or drink.
No evidence links the virus to food or drink ingestion. Image source: Pixabay
Although Brady appreciated the Uber Eats worker’s effort for a contactless delivery, he believed the driver shouldn't have been working in the first place.
‘My instant thought was if that’s the case, why the heck are you delivering food that you’ve had to go into a restaurant to pick up and then sit it in the car with you?’ he asked.
Brady found the experience frustrating, particularly when he sought answers from Uber Eats through the app and over the phone, only to be redirected to a specialist support team.
‘I said this is a food safety issue,’ Brady explained. ‘In my opinion, it’s no different to someone having [gastroenteritis].’
Despite the refund, Brady remained dissatisfied, still being left without an explanation for the incident.
‘I’ve got no plans to use them again at the moment, it’s put my trust off,’ he added.
In a statement to Yahoo News Australia, an Uber spokesperson noted the company’s adherence to government COVID guidelines and discouraged Uber Eats delivery drivers from working while infected.
‘Across Australia and New Zealand, Uber follows the Government's public health advice on Covid-19. Throughout the pandemic Uber introduced and updated its policies, app features, reporting functions, and guidance to align with current public health advice,’ said the spokesperson.
‘While all COVID-19 isolation requirements have now been removed, we recommend that all delivery partners follow public health advice, and we continue to provide them with up-to-date information as this changes. We encourage delivery partners who feel unwell, for whatever reason, to stay at home.’
Testing positive for COVID-19
Members here’s what you can do if you or someone you know is COVID-19 positive, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.
If you’ve tested positive, taking responsible steps can make a significant impact. Avoid high-risk settings like hospitals and care facilities for at least seven days or until symptoms vanish—except when immediate medical care is necessary.
To safeguard those around you:
- Steer clear of individuals at higher risk of severe illness.
- Wear a mask outside your home.
- Opt for remote work whenever feasible.
- Refrain from attending school, public spaces, or using public transport.
- Maintain excellent hygiene practices.
- Adhere to your local health department's advice when venturing outside.
If you need support or information, the COVID-19 helpline at 1800 020 080 is available 24/7. Your proactive measures can play a crucial role in safeguarding your community.
Share your opinions in the comments below!
