In Sao Paulo, Brazil’s vibrant financial center, a bike deliveryman named Erick Thiago says he will not stop delivering products until he falls sick or the government officials force him inside.
As the city is under lockdown, the 22-year-old rides an hour from his shantytown to deliver groceries, medicines, and other kinds of stuff that people need.
He knows he might have been exposed to the virus but he still wants to deliver to collect a little cash in case of an emergency.
In Brazil, the coronavirus has affected 4,661 and killed 165 people so far, prompting officials to declare social distancing. However, poor people like Thiago allow others to stay indoors by supplying essential commodities at their doorstep.
Thiago delivers products through a mobile app called Rappi. During the lockdown, he has been delivering goods of any kind. For instance, he delivered 70 cans of Coke to one customer.
Last week, Thiago delivered a pack of sausages, anti-bacterial pet shampoo, bleach, among other things. He even delivered an erectile dysfunction drug Viagra for one customer.
The state government deemed Thiago’s work “essential” but that has not helped him much financially. He said now he gets good tips. “Before the epidemic no one tipped,” said Thiago.
“Sometimes when I’m out on the street, people thank me for the service I’m doing,” he added.
Thiago once received an order and found that the delivery address was just a few doors away. The customer accepted the delivery from him and said he has been staying indoors to stay safe.
“I’m not angry, but it’s a privilege that he has,” said Thiago. “I would like to stay at home and quarantine but …”
