WHITEWATER REGION – On Monday, Canada Post initiated changes to their delivery operations and retail postal network. In a news release posted o their website, the company says it “understands the important role the postal service plays and is committed to serving Canadians while taking action to keep our people and our communities safe”.
Canada Post has initiated the following changes to their delivery operations and retail postal network:
In many post offices operated by Canada Post, customers will see reduce hours of service, opening one hour later and closing one hour earlier to clean, restock and provide some relief to employees. As well, for the first hour of each day, Canada Post will offer priority service to those whom are at a higher risk, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems. “Franchise operated post offices will follow the measures put in place by franchise operators,” wrote Canada Post.
“We are working to keep our post offices open, but some may close due to building closures beyond our control and some smaller locations may close due to personnel reasons. In these cases, we will direct customers to the nearest operating post office.”
Canada Post is asking waiting customers to space themselves two metres apart. The company says it is working on signage and floor decals for larger post offices. For smaller offices, they are looking to limit the number of customers and are also working on clear barriers for the counter to increase safety.
“While we all support social and physical distancing efforts to keep our communities safe, social interaction from a distance is still very much appreciated by our people,” the company wrote. “A simple smile and wave through the window to your delivery agent, a supportive thumbs-up to the driver of the Canada Post truck as they go by or patience and a thank you to the person working at the post office all go a very long way these days.”
“We will continue to accept cash, but are encouraging customers to pay by using the ‘tap’ function on their debit or credit cards where possible,” wrote Canada Post. “To eliminate customer interactions at the door, reduce post office customer traffic and support social & physical distancing, we have implemented a Knock, Drop and Go approach. Delivery employees will knock or ring, choose the safest location available to leave the item and then depart for the next address. This change eliminates the need for signatures at the door and greatly reduces the number of parcels sent to our post offices for pick-up.”
Parcels left at the post-office for pickup will not be returned-to-sender until further notice. The normal 15-day hold period has been suspended. Customers who are feeling ill or self-isolating are asked to delay their visit and to pick up their parcel when it is safe to do so. Items which require Proof of Age, ID or Customs payments will be sent directly from the depots to a retail post office for pick-up, with no restrictions on when customers can pick up the item. Customers will receive a Delivery Notice Card in their mail letting them know which post office is holding their item for pickup.
“Our goal is to continue providing timely and reliable service,” wrote Canada Post. “But to be safe, give our people time and manage potential challenges, we have suspended on On-time Delivery Guarantees for all parcel services, until further notice.”
Customers are asked to respect social and physical distancing with Canada Post employees you may see out in the community. “Please give our employees space and avoid opening the door or greeting them personally when they are at the door to deliver, or filling a community mailbox.” Canada Post believes this will further support the social distancing initiatives implemented in their plants, depots and post offices. “Like other organizations providing important services, our people are working hard under difficult circumstances.”
