Your questions answered
In just a matter of days, millions of us have seen our lives upended by measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
We wish to reassure colleagues that since the beginning, we have been closely following Public Health England and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance so that we can provide advice on preventative measures and minimise the risks to our people.
Going forward from today, we will be providing daily answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the issue.
What is the key preventative advice to reduce the risk of coronavirus?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. You can access the latest NHS guidance to help avoid catching or spreading coronavirus here.
If you have a cold, dispose of any tissues immediately using the NHS Catch it, Bin it, Kill it guidance and try to cough into the crease of your elbow, rather than into your hands. Click here for the WHO handwashing advice poster.
What does the definition of ‘close contact’ with someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus mean?
NHS guidance on what ‘close contact’ with someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus means is available on their Q&A site.
Will Royal Mail be providing face masks?
We are not issuing face masks as personal protective equipment (PPE) against coronavirus. This is because WHO guidance on when to use a face mask states that it is only beneficial to stop the spread of the virus for:
- People who are ill, coughing and sneezing to reduce them from spreading the virus to others.
- People who are caring for, or in close contact with someone who is infected.
- People who are healthy only need to wear a mask if they are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
Further information on the use of face masks can be found on the WHO website.
The latest up-to-date information and advice including a detailed and regularly updated questions and answers document can be found on our coronavirus homepage.
Should the information and materials on this page not answer specific queries you may have regarding coronavirus, please contact coronavirus.support@royalmail.com or Advice and Support on 0345 604 2787.
