Saturday March 14, 2020 ~ VANCOUVER ISLAND & NATIONAL
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
During the escalating circumstances of the COVID-19 situation — which was officially declared a pandemic last week, people are continuing to rely on postal delivery as a key component of online shopping as well as any essential first class letters that still come via snail mail.
The old ditty that the mail will be delivered ‘no matter rain, snow, sleet or hail’ could now be extended to include ‘pandemic’. Mail in Canada is delivered either directly to homes and businesses, or to multi-address community mailboxes.
Today Canada Post provided a statement to West Shore Voice News with assurances of their delivery services and protection of their workers. Here is the full statement:
“Canada Post continues to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Our efforts follow the direction and guidance of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Government of Canada’s lead for COVID-19.”
“Our primary focus is ensuring the safety of our people while we serve Canadians across the country. Canada Post enacted its corporate pandemic plan in late January following the escalation by the World Health Organization (WHO). An internal team is responsible for regularly reviewing our progress, monitoring ongoing developments and quickly evaluating and responding to situations or implementing changes in a responsible manner. It’s important to note that the PHAC and the WHO continue to state that there is a very low risk regarding incoming mail items, including mail from China. We are also in regular contact with our international postal partners to share information and learning. “
“From a safety standpoint, we are encouraging employees to diligently follow the prevention recommendations from health authorities, such as proper hand cleaning. We have also prioritized the distribution of hand sanitizer and provided proper safety equipment, such as nitrile gloves, as a precautionary, where appropriate. If employees are exposed to COVID-19, we have processes in place to respond and ensure they are able to get the care and support they need away from the workplace. As the situation evolves, Canada Post will continue to follow direction from the Public Health Agency of Canada on all matters related to COVID-19.”
For anyone who is self-isolating at home and who has a home-based business, it’s important to know that Canada Post is aiming to maintain its usual level of service, pending any parameters from the Public Health Agency of Canada that might change things.