POSTAL NEWS
No 25-2020
Formulated by UNI AproPost and Logistics Sector
|
1.
Etihad Cargo to ensure the continuity of vital
imports into the UAE.March 26, 2020.
2. PostNL sees surge in online delivery and greeting cards
Impact of
corona measures. March 25, 2020.
3. MPs from
all sides demand action on Horizon scandal.March 23, 2020.
4.
Australia
Post remains fully operational. March 22, 2020.
5.
Pos
Indonesia implemented
special protocol to anticipate
Covid-19. March 20, 2020.
|
1. Etihad Cargo to ensure the continuity of vital imports into the UAE
March 26, 2020
Following the directive issued by the National Emergency Crisis
and Disaster Management Authority, and the General Civil Aviation Authority
(GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates to temporarily suspend all passenger
services to and from the
UAE, Etihad Cargo is introducing a fleet of
Boeing 787-10 aircraft as passenger freighters to operate 34 weekly flights,
serving 10 markets initially.
Each aircraft will
provide capacity for 12 Lower deck pallets and four containers, carrying up to
45 tons of payload.
The passenger
freighter network will introduce capacity into India, Thailand, Singapore,
Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and other places where borders remain open
for cargo. On top of that, the current freighter schedule will be enhanced by
additional flights into Riyadh, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
By utilising the Boeing
787 in addition to its freighter fleet, Etihad Cargo will ensure the continuity
of vital imports into the UAE including fruits, vegetables, meat, medical
supplies, mail and e-commerce.
Abdulla Mohamed
Shadid, Managing Director Cargo and Logistics at Etihad Aviation Group, said:
“As the national carrier to the UAE, Etihad is working closely with the UAE
government to ensure the country is well served and the needs of the people
residing in the UAE are unaffected, while continuing to play our role as a
facilitator of global trade between the East and the West.”
“In the current
environment and as per our leadership’s guidance, it is essential these trade
lanes remain open, and with the addition on this capacity we are able to serve
those constrained markets that face decreased passenger freight operations,
offering a strategic cargo lifeline and supporting the continuity of the global
trade ecosystem.”
2. PostNL sees surge in online delivery and greeting cards
Impact of
corona measures
March 25, 2020
The Hague, the Netherlands, 25 March 2020 – Government
measures to address the coronavirus have led to a surge in online orders in the
Netherlands and Belgium. Because of the large number of orders, the impact of
corona measures such as social distancing, non-contact delivery and higher
numbers of staff unable to work due to illness, there may be some delays in
parcel deliveries at the local level. Mail deliveries are running as scheduled.
People are sending lots of cards to keep each other’s spirits up in these
difficult times.
HernaVerhagen, PostNL’s CEO, said: “The
simple fact that we’ve managed to continue our mail and parcel deliveries – and
so enable people to stay at home – is a huge tribute to everyone working for
and with us. Of course, I’m talking about our postmen and women hitting the
streets and delivering mail and parcels everywhere, but also about every single
one of our people helping to make it all happen: those sorting, preparing,
processing and transporting, and everyone else playing their part in this
logistics operation.
I’m very proud of and have tremendous respect
for our people, whose sheer dedication and commitment are making it possible
for us to continue to deliver post and parcels.
We would ask everyone out there to give them
plenty of space, and so enable them to do their jobs safely.”
The Netherlands and Belgium at home: more online deliveries
With people staying at home and
bricks-and-mortar shops closing their doors, online orders have been on a steep
upward trend, with the convenience of online shopping changing into a necessity
to buy supplies from web shops. PostNL is doing everything in its power to
continue to deliver on time as much as possible, but the sheer volume of
business, corona measures and staff shortages because of illness may cause
delays at local level. For more information, check Track&Trace and the
PostNL website.
Post and parcel deliveries provide a vital service to society
Earlier, PostNL announced that it will
continue to deliver post and parcels where and when it can, as this will help
people observe government guidelines and stay at home as much as is
practicable. It also helps the elderly and vulnerable groups in our communities
to stay in touch with their loved ones. And companies can reach their
customers, keeping social interaction going. All of this, of course, on
condition that PostNL’s people are able continue to do their work safely and in
good health, and that all the RIVM guidelines can be observed (RIVM is the
Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).
3. MPs from all sides demand action on Horizon scandal
March 23, 2020
Parliamentary investigations into the
“outrageous” treatment of hard-working postmasters by Post Office bosses continue,
with a full House of Commons Debate, a key decision from the Criminal Cases
Review Board expected tomorrow and a scheduled ‘Summit’ meeting arranged
with the Under-Secretary of State next week.
CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said this
afternoon: “While the Number One priority for us all remains, quite rightly,
the need for national unity in the fight against Covid-19, it’s also vitally
important that the Horizon scandal is not forgotten.
“Hundreds of postmasters were sacked, lost
their businesses and homes, faced prosecutions and even jail as a result of
false allegations of dishonesty arising from inherent faults within this
system, which indicated financial irregularities where none existed.
“But, despite this being explained to the
Post Office time and time again, the people running the company refused to halt
the actions taken against postmasters – making them the scapegoats for system
failure,” Andy explained.
Over the past few years, a campaign group
called Justice for Sub-Postmasters Alliance (JFSA) has
organised and led collective legal actions against the Post Office and on
behalf of over 500 persecuted postmasters.
Last year, JFSA won a formal apology and a
financial settlement for the postmasters – but despite that legal victory, the
fight goes on to win full justice and to make sure nothing like this can happen
again.
In the Parliamentary Debate, MPs from across
the political divide voiced scathing criticism of the company and its
behaviour, Andy reports, describing how “around 20 MPs spoke in the Sessions –
from Labour, Conservative and the SNP.
“And the clear consensus among them was
that a judge-led independent inquiry must now take place to hold
those responsible to account.”
Among the highlights of the proceedings was
the contribution from MP Duncan Baker, a Conservative Member representing North
Norfolk and also a former postmaster himself.
“The board of Post Office Ltd is,
unquestionably, accountable for this fiasco,” insisted the MP.
“Action must be taken so that board members
are properly dealt with for this injustice,” he demanded, and
added: “Those who have been jailed and who have criminal
records must have them overturned.”
There were also strong criticisms voiced of
the role of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters (NFSP), North Durham’s
Labour MP Kevan Jones, for example, calling the NFSP “a
sham” organisation which “needs to be
wound up now.”
Britain’s postmasters need and deserve “an
independent organisation to represent them,” he
insisted, calling for full recognition for the CWU as the postmasters’ union.
Andy Furey says that “it’s good to hear such
cross-party unity in condemnation of this outrage and equal determination to
push for full justice – and it’s also important that we, the CWU, also ensure
that we are the recognised trade union for postmasters going forward.”
Tomorrow, the Criminal Cases Review
Commission will announce its verdict as to whether the 55 cases of wrongfully
convicted Postmasters will be referred to the Court of Appeal and a
high-profile meeting is scheduled between our general secretary Dave Ward, our
DGSP Terry Pullinger, Andy Furey and the Under-Secretary for the Post Office
Paul Scully MP (Sutton & Cheam).
A BBC Panorama special featuring the Horizon
scandal had been scheduled for broadcast this evening, but has been replaced by
a programme on the Covid-19 crisis, while a Horizon compensation scheme, which
had been due for launch by the Post Office this week, has also been postponed
because of the national situation.
Commenting on the postponements, Andy Furey
said: “Some of the postmasters have waited many years for justice and, while
the delay is understandable in the circumstances, our hope is that this can be
set in motion as soon as is appropriate.”
Source :https://www.cwu.org/news
4. Australia Post remains fully operational
March 22, 2020
Australia Post today reiterated it remains
fully operational across Australia during government restrictions on
non-essential activity.
Posties, delivery drivers and Post Offices
will continue to operate.
To date, there are no confirmed cases in the
Australian workforce of more than 80,000 people.
Customers can be assured they will continue to be able to send and receive parcels and mail, pay bills and use Bank@Post during this time.
Customers can be assured they will continue to be able to send and receive parcels and mail, pay bills and use Bank@Post during this time.
Australia Post operates more than 4,000 Post
Offices and 220 delivery facilities across the country and has a large presence
in regional and remote Australia, as well as access to the largest and most
comprehensive dedicated air and road freighter network in Australia. Customers
are also able to get their parcel delivered to a free 24/7 Parcel Locker, with
more than 400 locations available.
Action has been taken to protect the health
and safety of the workforce and customers in relation to the spread of
coronavirus, in line with Australian government regulations.
5.
Pos
Indonesia implemented special protocol to anticipate Covid-19
March 20,2020
Pos Indonesia implements a series of
special protocols aimed at preventing, reducing and protecting employees from
the spread of the Corona Virus (Covid-19) outbreak in the Pos Indonesia
environment. At present, the protocol has been socialized at regional and post
offices throughout Indonesia.
Pos Indonesia 's Human Resources Director, who is also the
Chairperson of the Covid-19 Distribution Handling Task Force at Pos Indonesia,
BarkahHadimoeljono explained, this protocol was a step taken by Pos Indonesia
in order to provide maximum protection to employees, their families and even
customers of the possibility of exposure to Covid-19 have now become a global
pandemic.
"This protocol was compiled based on the results of a
comprehensive analysis of the impact of the spread of Covid-19 Virus, including
on business and company operations. We also make sure to implement it carefully
so as not to disturb the comfort of customers, guests and employees, "said
Barkah.
Barkah added, one of the procedures in the protocol was about
the process of social distancing. The aim is to prevent wider distribution in
the Pos Indonesia environment.
"While employees who have just returned from overseas
travel are required to undergo a two-week self quarantine period at their
respective homes," he said.
Another form of treatment that has been implemented, added
Barkah, is by providing masks for employees and hand sanitizers in all Pos
Indonesia offices, especially in public spaces that are widely accessed by
customers and employees.
"Another procedure is examining the body temperature of
people who come to the Pos Indonesia environment. If a body temperature is
detected above 37.5 degrees Celsius, it is not permitted to enter the office
environment and it is advisable to immediately check with the nearest health
facility, "he said.
In addition, his party also actively socializes through internal
communication media related to Covid-19, such as symptoms of health problems if
infected, guidelines for maintaining health conditions, and procedures for
preventing the spread of the corona virus, including contact centers that
employees can contact.
"For the purpose of the transaction, we
have prepared a digital service that allows transactions to occur without
direct interaction with Pos employees through the Pos Giro Mobile application
and can be utilized by customers for 24 hours and post shipment pick up service
by an oranger team," he concluded.
POSTAL NEWS
No 26-2020
Formulated by UNI AproPost and Logistics Sector
|
1. Swiss
Post reacts to falling customer volumes and relieves pressure on employees. March 26,
2020.
2. Singapore goes all-out in out-of-home.March 25, 2020.3. Ligentia offers free warehouse storage in China.March 24, 2020.
4.
syndicom warns: Swiss Post cannot guarantee health protection.
March 17, 2020.
|
1. Swiss Post reacts to falling customer volumes and relieves pressure on employees
March 26, 2020
The Federal Council has closed businesses and
instructed the public to stay at home and maintain distance from each other.
This is having a direct impact on Swiss Post branches: fewer and fewer
customers are carrying out postal transactions there. In recent weeks, the
number of customer visits has decreased by up to 40 percent. Due to this
development, combined with illness-related absences among staff, Swiss Post is
obliged to modify the opening hours of its post offices. Despite special effort
on the part of employees, 14 self-operated post offices will remain closed.
More than 90 Swiss Post branches are changing their opening hours. From next
weekend and until further notice, the branches Basel Annahme, Bern PostParc,
Lausanne Dépot, Luzern Universität and Zürich Sihlpost will be closed on
Sundays and public holidays. Further modifications cannot be ruled out,
depending on how the situation develops. We regret these temporary
ramifications and are doing our utmost to minimize the disruption as far as
possible. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding.
The Federal Council has instructed the public to stay at home
and maintain distance from each other. Many businesses are closed. These are
important steps for containing the virus. The fact that people are adhering to
the requirements is having an impact on Swiss Post.
Demand for postal services has declined sharply in
self-operated branches over the past two weeks. Swiss Post calculates that
footfall has fallen by 20 to 40 percent, depending on the post office.
In addition, there are increasing numbers of absences among
post office employees, either due to illness or among those who belong to
high-risk groups and are therefore not allowed to come to work. Despite a
special effort on the part of all employees, Swiss Post is obliged to modify
the opening hours at its post offices.
Swiss Post has also decided to ease the strain on its staff
and to keep branches closed throughout Switzerland on Easter Saturday. We have
also taken this decision because we expect few customers during this period.
This measure is designed to allow employees to rest over the Easter weekend.
Swiss Post cannot continue to be here for Switzerland unless its employees are
healthy. “We would like to ask our customers for their assistance in protecting
our employees. Please respect the social distancing requirements and help us
keep our staff healthy,” says Roberto Cirillo, CEO of Swiss Post.
The current opening hours and the modifications to services can be viewed here. On this page, you will also
find the amendments to branches operated by Swiss Post’s partners. The
Confederation’s requirements have already been implemented by the partners in
Swiss Post’s partner branches.
We regret the temporary impact on our customers. We are doing
our utmost to minimize the disruption as far as possible and to ensure that the
universal postal service is guaranteed even in these extraordinary
circumstances. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding during
this exceptional situation.
In addition, we would like to remind our customers of our online services. These will make postal
transactions easier during this extraordinary situation, especially now that
everyone is required to stay at home, and will enable customers to access and
use postal services from home.
2. Singapore goes all-out in out-of-home
March 25, 2020
Singapore is leading the way in
last-mile innovation, with a national carrier-agnostic parcel locker network.
Ian Kerr, Postal Hub Podcast, and Marek Różycki, Last Mile Experts, look at
this and FedEx’s out-of-home deal in Singapore.
The island city-state of Singapore is going all-out when it
comes to delivery. It is planning an island-wide network of carrier neutral
parcel lockers.
Also plunging headfirst into out-of-home delivery is FedEx,
which has announced that its parcels can now be collected at a range of
third-party collection points and parcel lockers across Singapore.
Carrier neutral lockers and
PUDOs
The Singapore government is planning a national locker network of 1,000 locations open to all the logistics players and to all e-commerce platforms.
The nationwide roll-out of locker stations follows a
successful trial launched in December 2018 by the Infocomm Media Development
Authority (IMDA). IMDA worked with 18 companies, including e-commerce platforms
such as Taobao, Lazada, Qoo10 and Zalora, and logistics service providers such
as Singapore Post (SingPost), to deploy 62 locker stations in Punggol and Bukit
Panjang.
Results from the pilot showed that a driver was able to
deliver up to 250 parcels per day to the parcel lockers, about four times more
deliveries compared with doorstep deliveries… and with more coverage and more
volumes, this efficiency is expected to grow up to 550/600 parcels per day
One thousand lockers for a city with a 5.6 million
population is pretty good at 1.8 APMs per 10,000 inhabitants. Last Mile
Experts’ MVP is 1 per 10,000, so this is about double. European countries with
the densest out-of-home networks, such as Poland and Finland, will have
networks with similar density, as will China. The USA is still behind but
catching up fast, albeit mainly via PUDOs as opposed to lockers.
FedEx partners with PUDOs and
lockers
Meanwhile, FedEx has set up a collaboration with participating bluPort and Parcel Santa lockers, and Park N Parcel retail collection points. Customers in Singapore can now collect their packages from the extensive network of lockers and collection points island wide, available 24/7.
Customers with a valid mobile number or email address can be
paired to their nearest Park N Parcel retail collection point or bluPort or
Parcel Santa locker, which will be made available prior to package arrival. For
example, customers who may not be available to receive their package delivery
will have the option to select a location closest to their home or workplace.
All customers will have the flexibility of collecting their packages at their
preferred venue and time.
Park N Parcel has 1,600 collection points across Singapore,
consisting of PUDO points in partner retail shops and ‘residential parkers’ –
private individuals who accept parcel deliveries on behalf of neighbors for a
fee. Hermes has a similar scheme in Germany called PaketFuxxen. Crowdsourcing and
the sharing economy will be increasingly important as parcel volumes surge, so
developments such as this are much needed.
bluPort offers parcel collection from over 100 parcel locker
locations.
Analysis
FedEx is right to go for PUDOs. Other major players in Asia – in particular the Chinese e-commerce and delivery giants – have made the major move to out-of-home in order to be able to maintain e-commerce delivery capacity. Today, the Chinese have over 330,000 lockers and even more PUDOs (albeit lockers are the preferred option there).
So why are PUDOs and lockers so important? As we have
indicated in previous articles, these delivery options have almost 100%
first-time delivery, which means no expensive undelivered/returned parcels,
which are poor for customer experience and can incur extra costs.
Delivery cost for out-of-home is much lower as PUDOs and
(even more so) lockers have several and often tens of parcels per stop.
Finally, customers appreciate the flexibility and choice that out of home delivery
offers when offered as an addition to standard, ‘to door’ delivery options.
Christian Secci, co-founder and CEO at Pakpobox, says that
e-commerce growth is pushing the courier industry and city resources to the
limit. “Self-collection is becoming more and more popular among online buyers
for its speed and convenience,” he told us. “A mix of parcel lockers and PUDOs
is the best way to achieve a wider and better coverage. In response, we are
deploying agnostic networks open to all courier companies in an effort to
re-shape urban commercial transport, and to make our cities smarter and
greener.”
“Night delivery is also playing an important role,” he adds.
“In Hong Kong, we are shifting deliveries to evening hours, when traffic is
lighter, cutting the delivery time in half.”
During the COVID-19 crisis we have observed growth in
volumes of parcels delivered to lockers. This growth has been facilitated by
smart moves from carriers to make locker delivery (including parcel redirection
to lockers) easier for consumers. Sadly, not all carriers have understood the
benefits of simple, easy-to-use lockers without laborious sign-up procedures.
When we eventually return to normal delivery around the
world, more customers will have developed a taste for parcel locker delivery,
so we see parcel lockers being one of the winners in this dreadful situation.
Conclusions
FedEx is right to team up with out-of-home networks. Already, it has teamed up with the Hubbed PUDO network in Australia. In the USA it is partnering with retail chains rather than existing PUDO networks.
When large carriers work together in harmony, they create
the basis of a shared and more efficient last mile. FedEx is also delivering
parcels in Hong Kong using the Alfred click-and-collect network (lockers plus
PUDOs powered by Pakpobox), the largest open network in Hong Kong, used also by
DHL, Skynet, 4px/Cainiao, Moring Express (30% owned by SingPost), Royale
International and Hong Kong Post. Perhaps this is a sign of things to come in
other geographies, especially Europe, where FedEx has been slow to adopt out-of-home
delivery capability.
3. Ligentia offers free warehouse storage in China
March 24, 2020
Supply
chain management company Ligentia has launched an inventory relief programme
offering new and existing businesses free storage, while space is available, in
all their China warehouses for up to four weeks.
The
move will help its general merchandise customers tackle the slowdown in demand
by supporting storage solutions at source to alleviate time and stock pressures
in the supply chain.
Daniel
Gill, group chief customer officer, explained: “Our global team are working
tirelessly to support our customers to keep their goods moving.
“However,
we know that as factories in China have hit near normal production levels in
the past few weeks, organisations are facing the difficult decision to cancel
or still ship goods as consumer demand falls due to Covid-19.
“That’s why from today, for four weeks, we are offering free storage across our warehouse network in China. By taking advantage of our program organisations will be able to gain greater control of their inventory whilst easing the pain of unplanned costs.”
4. syndicom warns: Swiss Post cannot guarantee health protection
March 17, 2020
The Federal Council demands that basic
services be maintained, although the protection of employees is often not
guaranteed. syndicom requires the Federal Council to adapt its ordinance
to the effect that postal services are only provided if the requirements of the
Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) regarding health protection are
met. As a result, most post offices have to be temporarily closed, as this
cannot currently be guaranteed. Disinfectants are largely missing or are
very sparse, the minimum distance of two meters cannot be maintained and glass
cutting discs are missing.
Health is too low a priority
In advance, syndicom would like to state that
the step towards the public is the ultima ratio after syndicom has tried to
achieve the necessary understanding in the social partnership
dialogue. However, Swiss Post only offered us gradual improvements and is
not able to stop working in companies, even if compliance with health
protection is not guaranteed. We respect Swiss Post's
efforts. However, these do not go far enough and give the health of
employees too little priority. Postal workers are currently particularly
exposed, as evidenced by the tragic deaths of postal workers in Italy.
Avoid unprotected post offices
syndicom also asks customers not to go to
post offices without a glass partition and to ensure during a visit that both
disinfectants and precautions have been taken to maintain the minimum
distance. This is to protect the customers themselves, but also the
employees.
There is also a need for measures that
deliverers can avoid contact with customers. If this cannot be guaranteed,
the Federal Council is also required here, which can have a deadline that also
eliminates the need to deliver registered letters.
The Federal Council is also responsible
Swiss Post provides many system-relevant
services and must therefore continue to be accessible due to the Federal
Council's order. However, this does not release the post office from its
duty to protect the health of its employees. If the Federal Council wants
the post offices to remain open and Swiss Post to continue to provide its
services, employees must have access to sufficient disinfectants and masks and
the necessary structural measures must be initiated immediately.
syndicom requires Swiss Post to comply with
the Federal Council's order that risk groups remain at home and to actively
identify them.
Source : https://syndicom.ch/aktuell/artikel
5. Canada Post to reduce hours, install clear barriers in response to COVID-19
March 24, 2020
Some postal workers criticizing communication
from Crown corporation, cleaning regimes at depots
Canada Post is reducing its hours, installing
clear barriers at post office counters and introducing other
COVID-19-related measures, moves that come as some postal workers
criticize how the Crown corporation is responding to the pandemic.
Canada Post said Tuesday its
offices will open an hour later and close an hour earlier to clean,
restock and "provide some relief to employees." The first hour
of opening will be dedicated to customers at higher risk, including seniors and
people with compromised immune systems.
The postal service has also suspended on-time
guarantees for all parcel services until further notice, and said it is trying
to keep all its offices open, although some smaller ones may have to close.
But a mail carrier in Halifax said she's
frustrated with what she calls a lack of clear communication around how employees
should be keeping safe on the job.
"I need to know there are protocols in
place where I can feel that my employer worries about my safety and is doing
what they can," said Samantha Bambrick, a temporary postal employee in
Halifax who did not report for work Tuesday, citing safety concerns.
"I am scared to go to work. It's not
safe right now."
She said she and others have so far received
no guidance around what to do with mail coming from St. John's,
where 13 Canada
Post employees were put on self-isolation after one tested
positive for COVID-19.
Jon Hamilton, a spokesperson for Canada Post,
said Tuesday that virus transmission on mail is deemed a "very low"
possibility and the postal service is following the advice of public
health officials when it comes to the St. John's mail processing plant.
"At this time it's a very low risk and
not a cause for concern, so we're now cleaning that facility, doing a deep
clean so we can make sure that it's safe for employees before they
return."
Public Health
Canada's website says coronaviruses generally do not survive on
surfaces and the risk of spread from products shipped over a period of days is
"very low."
Studies cited by the World Health
Organization suggest coronaviruses may persist on surfaces for a few hours or
even a few days, depending on the type of surface, temperature and
humidity in the environment.
Uptick in regular cleaning?
Nadine Kays, a letter carrier in Halifax and
a grievance officer with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, told CBC's The
Current on Monday that the union is calling for more spaces to get a
deep cleaning.
"I think the biggest ask on the floor is
that the depots and the plants and the retail outlets all get a deep cleaning.
People are looking for our trucks to be cleaned daily and that the equipment
coming in and out is cleaned," Kays said.
Hamilton said the deep cleaning is only
happening where there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 or if there
are people who may have been exposed to the virus.
He said the measures are based on
guidelines from public health officials, and employees with concerns should
raise them with their team leaders. Hamilton also noted that sometimes
cleaning happens at night, so employees may not see it directly.
As more businesses close, it's becoming
harder for postal workers to find somewhere to wash their hands, particularly
in rural areas. Both Canada Post and the union hope the federal government
gets employees more supplies like hand sanitizer.
"Given that we're providing an essential
service, we need support to allow us to get quicker access to supplies and make
sure we're replenishing," Hamilton said.
Bambrick said two weeks ago she was given a
bottle of sanitizing wipes, but no direction on how best to use them or if she
should be wearing gloves. Bambrick also said there has been little clarity
around how workers should socially distance in the depots, noting the aisles
where she works are less than two metres apart.
Hamilton said Canada Post is providing
updates through team leaders and has launched a website for employees to view
updates and get the latest information.
Hold period suspended
The measures Canada Post announced Tuesday
include asking customers not to come into offices if they are feeling ill. It
has also suspended the normal 15-day hold period and parcels left at an office
for pickup will not be returned to the sender until further notice.
Those who do visit a post office are asked to
keep two metres apart. Canada Post said it will install signs and floor decals
in larger offices, while smaller offices will be limited to the number of
customers allowed inside.
Offices will still accept cash, but customers
are urged whenever possible to use tap on their debit and credit cards.
For home delivery, Canada Post said it has
implemented a knock, drop and go approach. This change eliminates the need for
signatures at the door.
Any item which requires proof of age,
identification or customs payments will be sent directly to a retail post
office for pickup. Customers will receive a delivery notice card in the mail
and there is no restriction on when they can pick up their item.
A news release said franchise-operated
post offices will "follow the measures put in place by franchise
operators."
Concern around flyers
Some postal
workers in Canada have questioned why flyers are still
being delivered, and Bambrick said the focus should be on "essential
mail" and safety, not on making money.
Canada Post will follow the advice of health
experts, Hamilton said, adding that flyers are important to Canadian
businesses trying to maintain operations during the pandemic.
"The mail you're talking about is highly
valuable, especially at a local basis to them. At this point what we're
delivering is essential for a variety of reasons."