Instagram Launches Food Ordering Service

Instagram has launched a new feature that allows users to order food through the application, to support local businesses through the coronavirus lockdown. 

In March, the UK government ordered restaurants, pubs and hotels to close as it announced strict social distancing measures, but said that takeaway and delivery services could still continue.

The photo and video-sharing site says a new Action button can be added to the business's profile, allowing anyone who taps on it, to make a purchase through its website.

A Food Order sticker can also be added to its Instagram Stories.

The scheme was first launched in the US and Canada last week to help food outlets struggling during the pandemic, and it has now been expanded to the UK as part of a worldwide rollout.

The social media platform says for many businesses right now, "every sale helps" to allow for them to open their doors again after these social distancing rules are lifted. 

Many businesses already rely on Instagram to show off aesthetically-pleasing pics of what their menu has to offer, so integrating an order button into the app makes sense.

The new feature is being introduced this week to allow businesses to survive the COVID-19 lockdown.

On Tuesday, WhatsApp, another Facebook-owned platform, released a new set of stickers - designed in partnership with the World Health Organisation - to help people communicate their feelings during the lockdown.

The "Together at Home" pack includes images of healthcare workers wearing superhero capes, an "air high-five" and a fist bump, with the caption "we'll do this together".

How you can slow the spread of coronavirus:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

• Wash your hands as soon as you get home

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

• Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Find out the key information about COVID-19 here.