THANE: The Thane municipal corporation has now tied up with a popular food aggregator to deliver grocery to doorsteps here in a bid to discourage residents from venturing out during the lockdown period.Residents will have to log into http://essentials.thanecity.gov.in/ and select the vendor and place their order over the phone following which the trader will pack the items and alert the delivery staff of the aggregator. The team will then lift the stock and distribute it according to the schedule. Officials said residents can pay for the goods on delivery but will not have to pay any extra for the doorstep services.Officials said residents can opt for groceries, milk, vegetables, fruits, meat among other options available as per the availability in the respective wards. The delivery boys of the aggregator will be trained in handling the food packets hygienically and at large there would be minimal contact with the stock.“The service has been started with the intention to ensure residents do not step out of their homes during the next few days of the lockdown and help us bring down any possible transmission of the virus by avoiding congregation at any public places,” said a senior official.Meanwhile, the TMC has issued fresh warning to shopkeepers in the city and asked them to ensure social distancing or face closure. “Several shops seem to be flouting the norms as buyers are seen crowding inside the premises, which could prove risky. We have issued a warning to traders to comply by the norms,” said officials.