Special thanks

At the Government's press briefing on Friday, cabinet minister, Michael Gove – standing in for the prime minister after Boris Johnson was diagnosed with Covid-19 – said the country would see a ‘dramatic’ increase in testing this week.

The day after households across the UK stood on their doorsteps and balconies and applauded the efforts of the NHS and care workers in treating those affected by Covid-19, Michael Gove paid tribute to Royal Mail and other key workers, who continue working around the clock for customers.

‘Last night, millions of people paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of the NHS when they stepped outside their front doors and clapped for our carers,’ he said. ‘Alongside those in health and social care, I would like to thank those who work in food production and retail, the Royal Mail and public transport, our teachers and social workers, they all deserve our gratitude.’

In their own ‘Clap for carers’ tributes, thousands of colleagues throughout the operation expressed their gratitude to frontline workers in what was an extraordinary show of unity and support.

Press play to see just one example from South Midlands Mail Centre of colleagues lending their applause for the army of people across the nation, who are working so hard to fight the ongoing Covid-19 virus.

The government has announced that tests for healthcare workers will be rolled out this week, allowing them to confirm whether they have been infected or are safe to work.

Royal Mail will be a key partner in the delivery and return of these tests, enabling NHS and social care frontline staff to test themselves at home and then return their samples for testing.

The health of our colleagues is our first priority. Royal Mail has worked in partnership with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that the process is safe for colleagues. The Chief Medical Officer has consulted with a panel of experts on the safe transport of the completed Covid-19 test kits.