Question

In order to implement effectively the social distancing measures aimed at containing the further spread of COVID19, several governments around the world have encouraged online purchasing as a(n) (33)________ to physical shopping, and consumers have adapted their shopping patterns and behaviours to minimize risks of getting infected. For example, in some African countries, to facilitate online purchases of essential food items, local governments have compiled and circulated, via social media and (34)________ means, the telephone contacts of coordinators of different food products in various markets to enable consumers to call and order groceries. Consumers then pay with mobile money and have their purchases delivered by bicycle. (35)________, several telecommunications providers have made available data services for minimal or no costs. Central banks have temporarily permitted companies and banks to lower or scrap transaction costs and fees on digital payments and mobile money transfers in order to encourage the use of mobile money in preference to cash. These are some of the innovative measures/actions (36)________ have been employed to encourage regions in which, hitherto, populations did not fully trust online purchases, with a view to ensuring a continued flow of food supplies and essential household goods. Despite (37)________ challenges, in light of the pandemic, online purchases and e-commerce have become de facto fall-back solutions.
1. A. choice       B. selection          C. option          D. alternative
2. A. every         B. one                  C. other           D. another
3. A. On the contrary                     
B. In contrast
C. On one hand
D. In addition
4. A. who               B. when             C. which              D. when
5. A. constant        B. insistent        C. persistent        D. consistent