March 2020 - Service Announcements

27 Mar 2020
 
Singapore Speedpost Priority services suspension
 

Please note that all international Singapore Speedpost Priority services will be suspended until further notice.

27 Mar 2020
 
Russian Federation – Inability to comply with delivery standards
 

Russian Post has advised that owing to the quarantine measures implemented in Moscow to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the fact that the principal office of exchange for imports is located in Moscow, Russian Post is unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards.

As a result, Russian Post is invoking a situation of force majeure with regard to quality of service and remuneration for all categories of mail item (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice.

27 Mar 2020
 
United Kingdom – End of flooding
 

Royal Mail has advised that the suspension of collection and delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items in all postcode areas with prefixes DE, HR, SY, TF, WR and WV ended as of 1 March 2020.

All postal services are therefore back to normal, subject to the measures to limit the spread of coronavirus announced earlier.

27 Mar 2020
 
United Kingdom – End of heavy snowfall
 

Royal Mail has advised that the disruption resulting from heavy snowfall in postcode areas with prefixes DG, DH, HU, LA, NE and YO is now over.

All postal services are therefore back to normal, subject to the measures to limit the spread of coronavirus announced earlier.

27 Mar 2020
 
South Africa – Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
 

South African Post Office Ltd has advised that owing to the outbreak and rapid spread of COVID-19 and the increasing number of infections in South Africa, the government has taken a number of steps aimed at reducing social contacts and physical movements to a minimum.

In addition, because of the suspension of many flights, exchanges of both inbound and outbound mails are currently blocked.

All post offices nationwide will be closed while the country is on lockdown, and all mail classes will be delayed.

27 Mar 2020
 
Madagascar – Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
 

Paositra Malagasy has advised that in order to prevent the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government of Madagascar has declared a state of sanitary emergency for a period of 15 days, with effect from 21 March 2020.

In order to restrict human contact as far as possible, all passenger flights have been suspended, personal travel is strictly limited, and public transport services are no longer permitted to operate.

These measures are having a severe impact on postal operations. Until further notice, post offices will be operating a minimum service and the delivery of mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) is suspended. Consequently, Paositra Malagasy is no longer able to guarantee quality of service for all categories of mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items).

27 Mar 2020
 
United Arab Emirates – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
 

Emirates Post has advised that in line with government directives, it is required to take strict ad hoc measures aimed at minimizing human contact, during both sorting and delivery. These are likely to have an impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter post, parcels and EMS), at least until 2 April 2020. For this reason, service delivery standards cannot currently be guaranteed.

27 Mar 2020
 
Barbados – Declaration of force majeure
 

Barbados Postal Service has advised that owing to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), certain flights have been reduced and others cancelled. This has resulted in reduced transportation capacity and may also lead to delays with both inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items). For this reason, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed and a situation of force majeure has been declared until the situation has returned to normal.

27 Mar 2020
 
Hungary – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
 

Magyar Posta has advised that, on Monday, 16 March 2020, the Government of Hungary declared a state of emergency, lasting 30 days, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Consequently, Magyar Posta can pursue its activities only in compliance with the strict ad hoc measures implemented by the government.

Magyar Posta is no longer able to guarantee compliance with delivery standards for all categories of mail items (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice.

Magyar Posta is working continuously to improve the situation. International and domestic operations will continue to operate normally insofar as possible.

25 Mar 2020
 
Estonia – Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
 

Estonian Post has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items requiring proof of delivery in order to avoid human contact. Registered items will be delivered to mailboxes where possible. In case of delivery to the person, the courier will enter the receiver’s name on the handheld device, but with the word “Courier” in place of the signature. Courier parcels will still be delivered to the addressee, but in place of the signature, there will be an image (picture) of an address card, which the recipient will first be asked to sign (preferably using their own pen).

25 Mar 2020
 
Spain – Update on delays in the distribution of international mail
 

Correos y Telégrafos has updated that the Spanish Government has extended the “state of alert” that was declared on 14 March 2020, with effect until 11 April 2020, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The state of alert may yet be extended again. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail.

25 Mar 2020
 
Slovakia – Measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19
 

Slovenska Pošta has advised that the management has issued a “stay at home order” for support staff, requiring them to work remotely from their homes and restricting their access to their normal place of work. This measure is in force from 16 March 2020 until further notice. Given these new arrangements, all inquiries are liable to be disrupted. In addition, call agents may be unable to deal with telephone inquiries. Consequently, there may be a severe impact on service quality for international inbound and outbound services and service delivery standards.

To limit the spread of COVID-19 and in the interest of the health and safety of Slovenská pošta staff, special processes have been put in place for postal items subject to delivery, specifically as follows:

–   Parcels that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature can now be deposited in parcel terminals (these measures are aimed at avoiding contact between the recipient and the courier or postman/postwoman);

–   Delivery of registered items is suspended and will only be notified. These items will be deposited at post offices and the customer will receive a notification (announcement to mailbox, electronic notification sent by e-mail or SMS).

Slovenska Pošta has also extended by 14 days the current period of 18 days during which postal items will be stored at post offices. This is intended to alleviate customers’ concerns about having to collect items from post offices immediately, and also to help to reduce customer flows at post offices.

25 Mar 2020
 
Saint Lucia – Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
 

Saint Lucia Postal Service has advised that in keeping with the partial shutdown measures implemented by the Government of Saint Lucia to contain the spread of COVID-19, it is currently operating a restricted postal service with reduced hours, reduced personnel and fewer sub-offices, effective 23 March 2020. This response plan will affect the processing of inbound and outbound mail as well as timely replies to queries.

25 Mar 2020
 
Switzerland – Measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19
 

Swiss Post has advised that as part of measures to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Swiss Government, Swiss Post has had to change its delivery process for all items requiring signature on delivery.

With effect from 16 March 2020, all postal items requiring signature on delivery will not be signed for by the recipient, for health and safety reasons. For such items, in place of the recipient’s signature, the delivery agent will enter a code in the signature field of the handheld device. As a result, Swiss Post is no longer able to guarantee inbound and outbound mail standards.

25 Mar 2020
 
Papua New Guinea – Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
 

Post PNG has advised that the Government of Papua New Guinea has officially declared a state of emergency for 14 days, effective from 24 March 2020, as a precaution against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The lockdown may be extended based on evaluations of the situation during this initial period. The following measures apply:

  • Work has been scaled down as of 24 March, to encourage people to stay at home and limit movement within the country;
  • Restrictions have been implemented with regard to domestic and international travel;
  • Public gatherings have been restricted in order to avoid social contact.

Access to postal outlets and the processing of all inbound and outbound mail will be subject to restrictions. Service delivery standards and written proof of delivery cannot be guaranteed.

25 Mar 2020
 
Belarus – Disruption of services
 

The designated operator of Belarus has advised that there is major impact on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail owing to measures taken concerning COVID-19. It can no longer guarantee service delivery standards.

25 Mar 2020
 
Canada – Update on the measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
 

Canada Post has provided update of additional measures being taken in response to the spread of COVID-19.

In order to eliminate interaction with customers at their doorstep and in accordance with physical distancing requirements, Canada Post has implemented revised delivery procedures. Only international inbound items requiring the payment of customs duties and taxes will be sent from our depots to a retail post office for collection. Customers will receive a delivery notice card telling them which post office is holding their item for collection. All other international items that would ordinarily require a signature will be left in a safe location without obtaining a signature from the recipient. This change eliminates the need for signature at the doorstep and greatly reduces the number of parcels sent to Canada Post offices for collection.

25 Mar 2020
 
Senegal – Delivery delays
 

La Poste du Sénégal has advised that in view of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, measures to close the borders and restrict travel have been implemented by the Government of Senegal and the airlines. These decisions will have a significant impact on shipment and delivery times for all postal items. Consequently, La Poste du Sénégal is unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards.

24 Mar 2020
 
Bermuda – Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
 

Bermuda Post Office has advised that exceptional precautionary measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have been implemented, including the temporary closure of schools, many public institutions and places of business. These measures are having a direct impact on postal operations and service quality.

24 Mar 2020
 
Tonga – Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
 

Tonga Post Ltd has advised that the Government of Tonga has declared a state of emergency for one month from 20 March 2020 (period subject to extension). Restrictions will be in place in the coming days that will have an impact on postal operations and quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail. Service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed.

24 Mar 2020
 
Thailand – COVID-19 – Measures taken for international outbound and inbound mail items
 

Thailand Posts has advised that in the face of the spread of COVID-19, it still remains committed to fulfilling its obligations and will operate under the following conditions until further notice:

Outbound mail items
Thailand Post is not currently able to offer outbound mail services to the following destinations: Brunei Darussalam, Cayman Islands, Chile, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, French Polynesia, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Latvia, Maldives, Myanmar, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tunisia. The processing of outbound mail to all countries affected by the spread of novel coronavirus is also expected to be subject to delays.

Inbound mail items
In compliance with the strict ad hoc measures taken by the government, delays may be expected for all types of inbound mail.

Signature on delivery for international services that would ordinarily require the recipient’s signature is still provided wherever possible. In cases where the recipients refuse to sign, the delivery officers will sign on the recipient’s behalf.

24 Mar 2020
 
Guyana – Disruption to mail operations owing to COVID-19
 

Guyana Post Office Corporation has advised that in view of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it received a Government directive on 18 March 2020 stating that staff must work on a rotation basis. This will directly affect all postal operations. Delays are to be expected in the handling and delivery of all postal items.

24 Mar 2020
 
Colombia – Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
 

Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. 4-72 has advised that to avoid contagion resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has had to take preventive measures vis-à-vis its administrative and operational personnel. In addition, roads and borders have been closed as part of the country's internal government policies, affecting logistics operations at national and international level. Moreover, operations at the exchange office are also being affected by the suspension of airline services. Service delays are to be expected.

24 Mar 2020
 
Uruguay – Steps taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19
 

Correo Uruguayo has advised of the following measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19:

-   Staff numbers in postal facilities are being reduced as far as possible, and teleworking introduced where feasible;

-   Direct physical contacts are being minimized, and appropriate hygienic measures introduced;

-   Post offices with large numbers of customers are being kept closed, with special collection points set up directly with customers.

The above steps, along with the suspension and reduction of international flights and connections, will impact inbound and outbound postal operations and delivery.

24 Mar 2020
 
Panama – Service disruption due to COVID-19
 

Correos de Panamá has advised that owing to new measures adopted by the national government and airlines to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all international flights have been suspended. Correos de Panamá is no longer able to guarantee inbound and outbound mail standards and invokes the force majeure clause for quality of service and quality of remunerations for all categories of mail item until further notice. The postal network, national and international operations centres and national post offices will, however, remain open, but with a reduced workforce and modified working hours.

24 Mar 2020
 
Israel – Further measures aimed at minimizing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
 

Israel Postal Company has updated that with a view to minimizing the spread of COVID-19, the Israeli Ministry of Health has introduced measures including self-isolation, limitation of the number of personnel working at the workplace, advising people to work from home and restricting travel.

Israel Postal Company will, however, continue to process incoming and outgoing mail, giving priority to premium services such as EMS and PRIME, and will make every effort to ensure the regular distribution of mail. However, due to the above restrictions, Israel Postal Company can no longer guarantee service delivery standards.

In addition, since 17 March 2020, a signature is no longer required for items requiring signature on delivery, and such items will be left at the door after being scanned and photographed to prove that delivery has been made. If possible, the name of the addressee will be recorded.

24 Mar 2020
 
Ukraine – Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19
 

Ukrposhta has advised that, with effect from 23 March 2020, the Government of Ukraine has taken measures to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As these measures include the self-quarantine of staff, delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail. Severe delays are also to be expected for outbound mail to all destinations, as a result of flight suspensions.

In order to minimize human contact, indirect methods will be implemented temporarily for the delivery of all postal items that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature on delivery for security reasons. Consequently, it will not be mandatory for Ukrposhta to collect and provide written proof of delivery.

24 Mar 2020
 
Philippines – Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
 

Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has provided with an update on the situation in the Philippines in the context of stringent social distancing measures to curtail and eliminate the spread of COVID-19.

International air and sea transport from and to international airports and seaports throughout the Philippines will remain operational during the community quarantine. However, domestic air, land and sea transport is suspended for the duration of the community quarantine imposed in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon island, and several areas of the Visayas and Mindanao islands.

In view of this, the following changes are being made to PHLPost operations for the period of community quarantine (currently scheduled to run until 12 April 2020):

  1. International mail processing centres will maintain a skeleton workforce in order to accept incoming international dispatches. Inbound items received up to 12 April 2020 will not be processed and forwarded to delivery post offices until the normal work schedule resumes (as from 13 April 2020).
  2. There will be no outbound international dispatches from the international mail processing centres from 17 March 2020 until end of the community quarantine.
  3. Outbound postal items received up to 12 April 2020 by post offices located in areas under community quarantine and in other areas of the Visayas and Mindanao islands will be processed and forwarded to destination countries upon resumption of the normal work schedule (13 April 2020).
  4. It is anticipated that Internet connections at the homes of PHLPost customer service personnel may be intermittent.

Delays to inbound and outbound postal items are expected during the community quarantine period.


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