Singapore Post International Service Disruption on COVID19

Country

Service Disruption

Update

Australia  

Suspension of signature on delivery for inbound items

Australia Post has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via limited face-to-face methods and will be effective immediately. These special measures have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep staff and customers safe by avoiding human contact.

Cyprus  

Measures to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Cyprus Post has advised that owing to the measures taken by the government of Cyprus to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including the self-quarantining of staff, significant delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail. In order to avoid human contact, postal items that would ordinarily require written proof of delivery (WPOD) may, with the addressee’s consent, be deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on the addressee’s premises, with signature by the mail carrier.

El Salvador  

Entire territory under quarantine 

Correos de El Salvador has advised that in view of measures adopted by the government of El Salvador through Executive Order 13 (2020) to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the entire territory of El Salvador is under quarantine until 1 April 2020, or until a later date that will be communicated in due course. Correos de El Salvador will conduct its activities in line with these strict government measures.In order to minimize human contact and protect its workers, Correos de El Salvador considers it necessary to significantly reduce its workforce across the logistics chain (from labelling to delivery). As a result, correspondence of all kinds will not benefit from the usual rapidity of service, and Correos de El Salvador requests that it be exempt from the UPU’s delivery time and quality measurement requirements. Naturally, access to post offices is also subject to restrictions and special conditions as part of the preventive measures and for the protection of both staff and customers of Correos de El Salvador.

Lithuania 

Measures to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Lithuania Post has updated that in accordance with the measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the requirements of the government of Lithuania, all postal items requiring signature on delivery will, for security reasons, provisionally be delivered to customers indirectly. Consequently, it will not be mandatory for Lithuania Post to collect and provide written proof of delivery.

Netherlands 

Changes of delivery procedures 

PostNL has updated that in accordance with the measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the guidelines issued by the government of the Netherlands, all postal items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient, for health, safety and security reasons. For these items, the postman/woman will ask the recipient for the last three digits of the recipient’s ID reference number, and this information will be entered by the postman/woman in the signature field on their handheld device. This temporary measure will be effective from 16 March 2020 until further notice.

Slovenia  

Measures taken to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Pošta Slovenije has advised that in order to further reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep its staff and customers safe, it is suspending signature on delivery for inbound items insofar as possible. It will deliver items using alternative delivery methods where possible. This includes delivery to agreed locations without physical contact (e.g. P.O. boxes, mailboxes, parcel lockers) and delivery without signature (to this end, a new “contact-free delivery” status for internal items has been introduced within the domestic Track & Trace system). These measures were introduced on 16 March 2020, and will remain in place until further notice.---Pošta Slovenije has advised that given the situation in Slovenia and the government’s official declaration of COVID-19 as an epidemic, all residents have been asked to stay at home and reduce their social contacts and physical movement within the country to a minimum. These measures will have repercussions on Pošta Slovenije’s ability to keep sorting and delivery operations functioning, and operations and performance will be impacted. Quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound postal items is therefore affected, and this is expected to remain the case until the end of the epidemic. For this reason, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed, and a force majeure clause regarding quality of service is being invoked until the situation returns to normal. 

Estonia  

Suspension of signature on delivery for inbound items

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).

Spain    

Major 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.---Correos y Telégrafos has updated that the Spanish government has declared a “state of alert”, from 14 March 2020 and effective for 15 days, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This state of alert applies to the entire Spanish territory and comprises a number of extraordinary measures, effective at least until 28 March or until a later date that may be communicated in due course.Therefore, Correos y Telégrafos can pursue its activities only in compliance with strict ad hoc measures in line with government directives. In order to ensure that human contact is minimized, so as to preserve personal safety, it is deemed necessary to significantly reduce the workforce deployed in the logistics chain, with regard to both sorting and delivery. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound postal items. This is expected to last at least until 28 March. For this reason, as indicated to the National Regulatory Authority, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed and a situation of force majeure has been declared until the situation returns to normal.Correos y Telégrafos has implemented a number of special provisions in order to protect employees, citizens and customers. A special sanitation plan, covering the entire post office network, postal premises and fleet of vehicles, is in place and will continue until the end of this pandemic. Personal safety equipment is also being provided throughout the retail and logistic networks so as to protect staff in their daily work, and special directives are in place to manage customers’ presence in post offices under safe conditions.Airports remain open, although many airlines have cancelled their flights to Madrid. As a result, the distribution of international mail will be subject to major delays until the situation returns to normal.

Luxembourg 

Suspension of signature on delivery

Post Luxembourg has advised of the measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). International and domestic operations will continue as normal insofar as possible. However, several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, including the following:

• In general, post offices will remain open (with the exception of 21 post offices), but will be closed on Saturdays;

• For all postal items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature will be replaced by the postman/woman’s signature, together with the delivery code, in the signature field.

• Post Luxembourg is no longer able to guarantee delivery times or comply with standard rules for signature on delivery.

----Post Luxembourg has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. For safety reasons, delivery will be conducted via methods that restrict direct contact, with immediate effect. For all postal items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature will be replaced by the postman/woman’s signature, together with the delivery code, in the signature field. These special measures have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and to keep staff and customers safe by avoiding human contact. 

Panama  

Service disruption

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. ---Correos de Panamá has updated that owing to airlines’ lack of capacity, and as part of COVID-19 prevention measures, it is currently unable to send outgoing mail to destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania as well as certain Latin American countries (Argentina, Aruba, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, Bolivarian Rep.). In addition, delays are expected in delivery of mail addressed to Panama. Hence, normal quality and delivery time standards for the various services cannot be met. Correos de Panamá is thus declaring a situation of force majeure and is ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept outgoing and transit mail items for the above-mentioned destinations until such time as airlines inform it that the situation has improved.

New Zealand     

Changes on delivery process

New Zealand Post has advised of changes to its delivery processes. As part of measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19, from 16 March 2020 onwards, postal deliveries will be made as follows:Products requiring signature on deliveryFor all postal items not requiring signature, New Zealand Post delivery staff will knock on the door as usual and step back two metres (or as far back as is safe). They will wait for someone to come to the door. If no one comes to the door, the postal delivery staff will follow the standard process, which is to leave the item in a safe place, or leave a card and return the item to the depot if there is no safe place.Products not requiring signature on deliveryFor all postal items not requiring signature, New Zealand Post delivery staff will knock on the door as usual and step back two metres (or as far back as is safe). They will wait for someone to come to the door. If no one comes to the door, the postal delivery staff will follow the standard process, which is to leave the item in a safe place, or leave a card and return the item to the depot if there is no safe place.

Portugal  

measures to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that as part of measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, all postal items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient, for health, safety and security reasons. Instead, the postman/postwoman will ask the recipient for their given name and family name, and will enter this information, followed by “CV19”, in the signature field on the handheld device. This temporary measure came into force from 16 March 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Sri Lanka  

Disruption of mail operations owing to COVID-19

Sri Lanka Post has advised that the government's decision to declare holidays for the public and private sector from 16 to 19 March 2020, to help prevent the COVID-19 outbreak from spreading, will disrupt all inbound and outbound mail operations. All mail processing and delivery is suspended until 20 March 2020. The government may decide to further extend the holidays once it has reviewed the situation. 

Romania  

State of emergency

Poșta Română has advised that a state of emergency, lasting 30 days, was declared by the government on 16 March 2020, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. This state of emergency, which applies to the entire country, entails a number of extraordinary measures, effective at least until 16 April 2020, or to a later date that may be communicated in due course. Consequently, Poșta Română‎ can only continue its activities in compliance with the strict ad hoc measures taken by the government.New travel restrictions have led to massive cancellations of international flights. Owing to the suspension of air services to a number of international destinations, Poșta Română‎ is facing difficulties sending international postal items, and delays are to be expected for all types of inbound and outbound mail. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service.Poșta Română is no longer able to meet all of its contractual obligations, in particular delivery standards, for international mail. Therefore, all contractually agreed sanctions, especially those concerning penalty payments, e.g. pay for performance, are suspended until flights return to their normal operating schedule. When this occurs, Poșta Română‎ will resume its normal services. It is working continuously to improve the situation.As a major employer and a key element in the country’s economy, Poșta Română‎ is fully committed to playing its part in helping Romania to overcome this major challenge. A dedicated committee, involving all senior management, has already been working for a number of weeks, in close contact with the relevant institutional bodies, to define and continuously adapt its operations and services in compliance with the government measures intended to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

Jamaica 

Restricted services (COVID-19)

Jamaica Post has advised that it will be providing restricted postal services, following the announcement by the Government of Jamaica that all non-essential work, in both the public and private sectors, should be conducted from home or remotely, with a view to containing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout Jamaica.Consequently, from 18 March to 24 March 2020, Jamaica Post will be implementing a restructured operations programme. This will have an impact on the processing of all inbound and outbound mail, as follows:Inability to guarantee delivery standards for all postal items, owing to adjusted opening hours of post offices and postal agencies;Deployment of a reduced workforce at the international mail processing centre (JMKINA), the administrative headquarters (postal accounting and customer service), and the operational headquarters (mail van dispatches).

Germany  

Measures to limit the spread of coronavirus

Deutsche Post has advised that in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus and in the interest of the health and safety of Deutsche Post staff, special processes have been put in place for postal items subject to signature upon delivery as from 13 March 2020.Parcels and registered items that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature can now be deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on their premises, with signature by the postman/postwoman on their portable device. In cases where items are delivered to the recipient in person, the postman/postwoman will likewise sign on the recipient’s behalf. These measures are aimed at avoiding contact between the recipient and the portable device. Deutsche Post is considering this situation as a case of force majeure.

Chile  

Measures and restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19

CorreosChile has advised of the following measures, effective as of 17 March 2020, that apply to all postal items:Owing to a lack of international air transport capacity, CorreosChile is unable to dispatch international outbound mail. This applies to all countries except Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay;International inbound mail addressed to Easter Island will no longer be accepted;There will be delays in the processing and delivery of international inbound mail;Signature on delivery for international inbound mail will be suspended and replaced by delivery methods that limit direct physical contact.These measures are a result of the reduced workforce across the logistics chain and of domestic and international flight connections in the light of the spread of COVID-19.

Malta

Measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

MaltaPost has advised that, in accordance with measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all postal items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient, for health, safety and security reasons. For these items, the postman/woman will ask for the recipient’s name and ID number, and this information will be entered by the postman/woman in the signature field on the registration barcode sticker. This temporary measure will be effective from 17 March 2020 until further notice.

Ireland 

Measures to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVD-19)

An Post has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit direct contact, with immediate effect. These special measures have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep staff and customers safe by avoiding human contact.

Israel  

Measures to limit 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. ---Israel Postal Company has advised that starting 17 March 2019, it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. For safety reasons, delivery will be conducted via methods that restrict direct contact, with immediate effect. For all postal items requiring signature on delivery, no signature will be required and the item will be left at the door, after being scanned and photographed to ensure that delivery has been made. If possible, the name of the addressee shall be recorded.These special measures have been implemented in order to comply with the directives of the Israeli Ministry of Health, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and to keep staff and customers safe by avoiding human contact.

United Kingdom 

Measures to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide) has advised that as part of UK measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, they have had to change their delivery process for all postal items requiring signature on delivery. As from 13 March 2020, items requiring a signature on delivery will not always be signed for by the recipient. Instead, in these exceptional and difficult circumstances, where the recipient has not been able to sign for the item but has duly received it, a code (XP1) will be entered into the handheld device, and this will constitute evidence of receipt.In addition, Royal Mail Group also can no longer guarantee service delivery standards, in view of the UK Government introducing a series of measures, including self-isolation, social distancing, advising people to work from home and restricting travel with a view to minimizing the spread of COVID-19. 

Malaysia 

Measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Pos Malaysia has advised that owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the Restricted Movement Order enacted by the Malaysian Government, delays are expected in processing, transportation and delivery of both incoming and outgoing international shipments of all postal items.All postal items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient, for health, safety and security reasons. Instead, the postman will ask for the recipient’s name and will enter this information in the signature field of the handheld device or delivery manifest. This temporary measure came into force from 16 March 2020 and remains in effect until further notice. For delivery of items to a mail room, the addressee will receive a text message or telephone call. Deliveries to premises or areas needing to be closed down due to COVID-19 are suspended.

Turkey 

Service delays

Turkish PTT Corporation has advised that in order to help to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout Turkey, a period of leave has been declared for certain parts of its workforce, especially those in high-risk categories, in both the public and private sectors. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound mail.

Canada 

Measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVD-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.

---

Canada Post has advised that due to measures being taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), they are experiencing significant disruption to its daily operations owing to exceptional precautionary measures, including the temporary closure of many institutions (schools, universities, public institutions, etc.) and self-quarantine for affected individuals. There is also considerable disruption with regard to airlines and other transport providers. This is having a direct impact on service quality for international inbound and outbound services. Canada Post is making changes to its delivery procedures in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Until further notice, it will no longer request a signature for any deliveries. Instead, its delivery agents will apply “safe drop” procedures whenever it is possible to do so. If such procedures are not possible, the delivery agent will leave a delivery notice card indicating the retail location from which the item can be collected. A delivery notice card will be left for the addressee for all registered items and items requiring the payment of duties and taxes.

Suriname

Delay in mail processing delivery

Suriname Postal Corporation (SURPOST) has advised that since 14 March 2020, measures have been taken by the government of Suriname to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Therefore, SURPOST can pursue its activities only in compliance with strict ad hoc measures in line with government directives. To ensure that human contact is minimized, in the interest of personal safety, it is deemed necessary to significantly reduce the workforce deployed in the logistics chain, with regard to both sorting and delivery. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail. Service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed.

Croatia 

Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVD-19)

Croatian Post has advised that in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, and in the interest of the health and safety of Croatian Post staff, a special process for postal items subject to signature upon delivery has been introduced as from 18 March 2020. For registered or insured items, parcels and EMS items, the item will be placed in the addressee’s mailbox or deposited at the front door of their house or flat. In the signature field, the postman will enter "C-19" to indicate that the item has been delivered without the recipient's signature. This measure aims to avoid contact between recipients and postal staff.

Serbia 

Measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19

The Public Enterprise Post of Serbia has advised that as of 15 March 2020, the government of Serbia declared a state of emergency in relation to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In accordance with the measures adopted, Public Enterprise Post of Serbia has made organizational changes regarding the acceptance, processing and delivery of all inbound and outbound mail products, and the changes made will affect domestic and international quality of service. Service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed

Armenia 

Measures to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

“Haypost” CJSC has advised that owing to the suspension of flights resulting from the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, it expects serious delays in processing of inbound and outbound mail from 19 March 2020 until further notice. This will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail. For safety reasons, delivery may be performed via methods that restrict direct contact. For all postal items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature may be replaced in the signature field by the postman/postwoman’s signature, together with the delivery code.

Georgia 

Measures taken to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Georgian Post has advised that with effect from 16 March 2020, the Government of Georgia has taken measures to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As these measures include the self-quarantine of staff, significant delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail.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 Georgian Post to collect and provide written proof of delivery. 

North Macedonia

Measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19

Post of North Macedonia has advised that the government has officially declared a state of emergency for 30 days from 19 March 2020 (period subject to extension). This situation will have a major impact on operations, and quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail is affected. Service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed.

Vietnam 

Measures taken to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

VNPost has advised that the government is taking measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the following locations from 7 March 2020:Ha Noi (100000–159999), Hai Phong (180000–189999), Quang Ninh (200000–209999), Soc Trang (950000–959999), Hung Yen (160000–169999), Quang Binh (510000–519999), Quang Nam (560000–569999), Da Nang (550000–559999), Hau Giang (910000–919999), Binh Dinh (590000–599999), Bac Giang (230000–239999), Hue (530000–539999), Thai Nguyen (250000–259999), Ninh Thuan (660000–669999), Kien Giang (920000–929999), Quang Tri (520000–529999), Ha Tinh (480000–489999), Nghe An (460000–479999), Ninh Binh (430000–439999), Ho Chi Minh (700000–769999), and Thanh Hoa (440000–459999).Therefore, the delivery of all postal items to the above locations may be delayed.

Bulgaria (Rep.)  

Measures taken to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Bulgarian Posts plc has advised that the Bulgarian Government declared a state of emergency on 13 March 2020, and has introduced various measures such as self-isolation, social distancing, advising people to work from home and restricting travel, with the aim of minimizing the spread of COVID-19. In view of this, Bulgarian Posts can no longer guarantee service delivery standards.

Mexico 

Service disruptions

Correos de México has advised that owing to the cancellation of international flights from Mexico to South America and to other continents, including Africa, Asia and Europe, it is facing significant disruption to its operations. This disruption will have a direct impact on quality of service in relation to both inbound and outbound mail. Consequently, Mexico is declaring a situation of force majeure in relation to all international consignments, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on services worldwide.

Mauritius 

Measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19

Mauritius Post has advised that owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the restricted confinement order enacted by the government of Mauritius, all post offices are closed as from 20 March 2020. This temporary measure will remain in force until 2 April 2020.Severe delays are to be expected in the processing, transport and delivery of both inbound and outbound mails. Items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed at the moment of handover to the recipient for health, safety and security reasons. Instead the postman will ask the recipient’s name and will record it on the delivery receipt, keeping a distance of one metre to minimize human contact and reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

Morocco 

Measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19

Poste Maroc has advised that due to the suspension of international commercial air traffic, it is suspending exports of all postal items until normal flight operations resume. Incoming mail has been processed and delivered as normal. However, following steps taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, and for public health and safety reasons, delivery services may suffer certain delays, because of limited staff numbers in processing and delivery centres. Postal items are being delivered without the addressee's signature being requested. For such items, postmen/postwomen will ask the addressee for their identity card number and record it.

Belgium 

Measures to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Bpost has advised that international and domestic operations will continue to operate normally as far as possible. However, several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, including the following:Post offices will remain open in general, but will be closed on Saturdays;For domestic and inbound international items that would normally require a signature, the postwoman or postman will sign for delivery in place of the customer (but in the customer’s presence);Bpost is no longer able to guarantee delivery times, standard rules for signature on delivery, or availability of tracking data for shipments.

Poland 

Measures to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Poczta Polska has advised that restrictions imposed by the Polish Government and measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 will affect its services. It will no longer be able to meet all of its contractual obligations, in particular the quality delivery standards, in full. Quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail will therefore be affected. A force majeure clause regarding quality of service is being invoked.

France 

Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

La Poste has updated that the French Government has reinforced the measures in place to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Postal services are affected by these measures and La Poste will no longer be able to fulfil its contractual obligations, in particular with regard to quality standards for the sending of all postal items. La Poste's network and national and international operational centres remain open and continue to operate. However, given the reduced workforce owing to the closure of schools and measures taken to ensure the safety of personnel, La Poste can no longer guarantee delivery lead times, the collection of signatures on delivery, delivery to the addressee in person, tracking of items (scanning and shipment lead times), the processing of items for reimbursement, and insured items. This concerns in particular registered letters, tracked small packets with signature, parcels and EMS items. Numerous post offices are closed, and the opening hours of those remaining open have been reduced. All support services are also affected, and delays in processing inquiries and bills should be expected.

Austria  

Latest developments resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic

Österreichische Post AG has updated that in accordance with the measures taken to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Austrian government has introduced measures including self-isolation, social distancing, advising people to work from home and restricting travel. For this reason, service delivery standards and times can no longer be guaranteed in Austria.In addition, where possible, Österreichische Post AG is suspending signature-on-delivery for inbound items in order to avoid human contact. Consequently, all items that require the addressee’s signature are now deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on the addressee’s premises, with signature by the postman/postwoman on their portable device. In cases where items are delivered to the recipient in person, the postman/postwoman will likewise sign on the recipient’s behalf. 

Portugal 

Measures to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

CTT Correios de Portugal has updated that international and domestic operations will continue to operate normally as far as possible. However, several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, including the following:Post offices will remain open in general (closing over lunchtime);For domestic and inbound international items that would normally require a signature, the postwoman or postman will sign for delivery in place of the customer.CTT Correios de Portugal is no longer able to guarantee delivery times, observe the standard rules for signature on delivery, or make tracking data available for all shipments.

Brazil 

Measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Correios has advised that the Brazilian Government has introduced a series of measures to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These measures include self-isolation, social distancing, advising people to work from home, and restrictions on travel. Consequently, Correios hereby advises that there may be a severe impact on service quality for international inbound and outbound services. Correios can no longer guarantee the service delivery standards. Pursuant to its commitment to preserving the health and safety of the population and its employees, Correios will be making changes to its delivery procedures to help contain the spread of the virus. Until further notice, all postal items requiring signature on delivery will no longer be signed for at the moment of handover to the recipient. 

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.

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.

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 itemsThailand 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 itemsIn 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. 

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.

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.

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.

 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 

 Switzerland

Measures to limit the spread of 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.

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. 

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.