In light of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada Post has announced some new measures to help employees and customers follow public health directives.
The postal operator shared an update on Monday stating that many post offices operated by Canada Post will reduce hours of service, opening one hour later and closing one hour earlier to clean, restock and provide relief to employees.
Moreover the first hour of opening each day will be reserved for those who are at a higher risk of contracting a serious case of the virus, like the elderly or people with compromised immune systems.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
Some post offices around the country may also close if the buildings they are located in decide to shut down.
Canada Post is also working to establish clear barriers for counters and signage and floor decals requiring customers to space themselves 2 metres (6 feet) apart.
All Canada Post offices will continue to accept cash but encourage customers to pay by using the tap function on their debit or credit cards as much as possible.
The company has also suspended their usual 15 day hold policy in which uncollected packages are returned to the original sender if they are not picked up within 15 days.
“We ask that customers who are feeling ill or self-isolating, to please delay their visit to the post office and to pick up their parcel when it’s safe to do so,” reads the statement from Canada Post.
For delivery services, the company has adopted a self-explanatory “Knock, Drop and Go” approach, eliminating the need for signatures at the door.
Any delivery requiring a Proof of Age, ID or Customs payments will be held at a retail post office for pick-up with no restrictions on when customers can pick up the item.
Those who have an item for pick-up will get a Delivery Notice in their mailbox advising them of which post office their package is held at.
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