Albanian Post has advised that the Albanian Government has now declared the state of emergency to be over, but is continuing to enforce measures aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Although the force majeure situation remains in place, Albanian Post is endeavouring to meet delivery standards (including delivery time and other quality parameters) for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.

Correo Argentino has advised that the Argentinean Government has extended the period of obligatory social isolation until 27 April 2020. However, the postal service, as an essential service provider, has been exempted. As a result, Correo Argentino, will remain open for business and will provide its services as well as it can.

Notwithstanding its reduced workforce, Correo Argentino has made arrangements to guarantee the continuation of its key services. Also, as part of health and safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, no letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items will require signatures upon delivery. Instead, the postman/postwoman will ask the addressee for a piece of ID and will note down the number in the signature field.

Correo Argentino citing force majeure, will be unable to guarantee delivery service standards for all categories of inbound and outbound mail.

“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.

Australia Post has advised that its daily operations are being affected by precautionary measures imposed by the government requiring individuals affected by COVID-19 to self-isolate, and disruption of the services offered by airlines and other transportation providers. This is having a direct impact on service quality for both international inbound and outbound mail, and other transportation providers. This is having a direct impact on service quality for both international inbound and outbound mail.

Australia Post has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via limited face-to-face methods.

Australia Post is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure for all international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS services.

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.

Bpost has advised that due the level and impact of the second wave of COVID-19, on 30 October the Belgian Government announced a new lockdown which will run from 2 November at least until 13 December 2020.

bpost is making every effort to ensure the continuity of all services and the delivery of letter and parcel post, daily newspapers and registered items, as well as collection from post boxes. However, the lockdown measures in place for certain categories of staff across Belgium are liable to result in processing and delivery delays throughout the country. bpost will continue to provide its services according to safety guidelines. All letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery will, until further notice, be delivered with the postwoman or postman signing in place of the customer (but in their presence).

Operational conditions remain difficult, and bpost is still required to maintain social distancing rules among staff and between staff and customers. This may cause delays in the processing and delivery of all types of items.

The Republican Unitary Enterprise of Posts “Belpochta” has advised that inbound international items (letter post, parcels and EMS) are now being processed and delivered as normal.

Correios has advised that it will close the case of force majeure, relating to the impact on postal services of COVID-19, on 31 December 2020.

From 1 January 2021, postal operations will be back to normal, while respecting the safety guidelines:

All letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items normally requiring signature upon delivery will continue to be handed over without signature.

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.

La Poste BF has advised that owing to government measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and the declaration of a case of force majeure, the processing and delivery of mail is subject to delays, which will affect quality of service.

Canada Post has advised that it continues to experience significant disruption to its activities owing to the exceptional precautionary measures implemented to protect the health and safety of its employees and Canadians, as well as persistent challenges relating to the availability of transport links.

Canada is experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 and all provinces therefore remain in a state of emergency. The force majeure situation previously declared for all international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items will remain in effect up to 31 December 2020 and until further notice.

Canada Post continues to follow the guidance and safety recommendations issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, including physical distancing and self-quarantine for affected individuals. These measures have resulted in delays in the processing of mail, unprecedented levels of absenteeism among operational staff, and temporary facility closures owing to COVID-19 outbreaks.

It has not been possible to ensure on-time delivery since 18 March 2020, and this guarantee remains suspended until further notice.

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.

CorreosChile has advised of the following measures, effective as of 17 March 2020, that apply to all postal items:

1. 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;
2. International inbound mail addressed to Easter Island will no longer be accepted;
3. There will be delays in the processing and delivery of international inbound mail;
4. 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.

China Post has advised that its postal services are now back to normal.

Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A. 4-72 has advised that the Colombian Government extended the period of mandatory preventative isolation until 0.00 on 1 September 2020. As an essential service, however, the postal service is currently exempt from restrictions on movement, although this may change in the future. 4-72 will continue to provide domestic and international services in line with the latest developments regarding COVID-19.

4-72 will continue to provide its services in accordance with the restrictions resulting from the global health crisis, and to take every possible measure to protect its staff and customers.

Significant delays are still expected on operations and delivery of letter-post, parcel- post and EMS services.

Correos de Costa Rica S.A. has advised the following measure taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic:

When delivering items with a signature requirement, the postman checks the identity document of the person taking receipt and records their name and ID number in the delivery list or on the electronic device.

Cyprus Post has advised that social distancing and other measures to combat the COVID-19 virus remain in place. Therefore, the delivery of postal items may still be subject to delays.

Česká pošta s.p. has advised that owing to a worsening of the health situation and an increase in the number of infected people, the country’s authorities have decided to extend the general lockdown until at least 14 February 2021.

Wide-ranging restrictions have come into force, including the mandatory closure of shops and establishments of providers of selected services.

Postal services will continue to function with restrictions. Česká pošta continues to provide postal services to the extent possible; however, given the situation in the country, quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter post, parcel post and EMS) cannot be guaranteed.

The impact is expected to last until the end of the epidemic. For this reason, a situation of force majeure remains in place with respect to quality of service.

Post Danmark (PostNord Denmark) has updated that as a measure to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit human contact, with immediate effect.

Quality standards for all products will be affected by this situation of force majeure.

The additional measures implemented earlier by the Danish Government in seven municipalities to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted with effect from 23 November 2020.

Correos de El Salvador has advised that its international inbound mail services are operating normally as of 15 December 2020.

In addition, outbound services have resumed to all countries for which it is currently possible, as reported by each country, and if routeing is possible.

It should be noted, however, that delays are to be expected in the processing and delivery of letter post, owing to the sanitary measures that are currently part of the “new normal”. Correos de El Salvador is, however, taking all possible measures for the execution of normal services.

Eesti Post has advised that with effect from 1 October, all inbound items will be delivered as follows:

• agreed delivery standards will be observed;
• boxable registered letters (under 2 cm thick) will be delivered to the addressee’s mailbox without a signature being collected; registered letters over 2 cm thick will be handed over at post offices;
• all courier shipments requiring a signature will be delivered to the addressee; a photo will be taken of the address card signed by the addressee;
• couriers will not enter addressees’ premises during delivery; all handovers will be made outdoors.

Eswatini Posts & Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC)has advised that following the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, EPTC has been impacted as follows:

The country has been on partial lockdown, which was initially scheduled to end on 18 May 2020. However, owing to an increase in the number of new cases of people contracting the virus, the government of Eswatini has extended the lockdown by one month, until 19 June 2020.

During the partial lockdown, limited postal services are being offered.

Consequently, delivery standards are not being met.

Following the French President’s speech of 24 November announcing a gradual easing of lockdown measures in several phases up until at least 20 January 2021, La Poste has advised updates on its measures about the COVID-19 situation.

La Poste will comply with all measures required by the French government to protect the health of its employees and the population. As a result, it may have to adjust the opening hours and operations of its post offices and processing and distribution centres.

In line with general health protection and work safety principles, and the health measures put in place by public-facing businesses and institutions, La Poste is still required to ensure compliance with social distancing and hygiene measures both among its staff (management of flows of people) and between staff and customers:

• by implementing collective protection measures;
• by adapting the opening hours and operations of its processing and distribution centres, and its post offices;
• by avoiding the risk of hand-borne contamination; and
• by implementing measures to protect staff, in line with the applicable protocol drawn up by the Ministry of Labour.

During the end-of-year period, delivery delays are possible and delivery standards cannot be guaranteed. La Poste is doing its utmost to ensure customer satisfaction and operational continuity.

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.

Georgian Post LLC has advised that the Georgian Government has decided to extend the period of application of the measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 until 22 May 2020.

Deutsche Post has updated that in addition to the measures already communicated, it has implemented supplementary measures to reduce direct interaction with customers at their doorstep, in accordance with physical distancing requirements: inbound items requiring a payment by the recipient, such as cash-on-delivery (COD) or the payment of customs duties and taxes, will be immediately directed to a postal outlet for collection. Recipients will receive a notification as to which postal outlet is holding their item for collection.

Hellenic Post has advised that despite the general lockdown in place throughout Greece since the beginning of November 2020, there has been no significant improvement with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, there has been growing concern in the last few days regarding the rapidly increasing number of infections and the new strain of the virus that is affecting younger age groups.

To prevent an aggravation of this situation, the Government has announced that even stricter lockdown measures would be implemented in the Attica region (which is home to half of the Greek population) with effect from 11 February 2021. It is very likely that the same will apply to other regions during the coming days.

Although Hellenic Post will endeavour to minimize the effects of these measures, the reinforced lockdown will nevertheless have a direct impact on all postal operations.

Due to government measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the General Directorate of Posts and Telegraphs will be operating with 50% of its normal staff until 12 April 2020 (subject to extension).

All post offices have been closed, and only home deliveries are being provided by the reduced staff, with appropriate steps taken to protect employees and customers. These measures will result in delays to deliveries, quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mails is affected, and service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed.

Hongkong Post has advised that the Government has announced special work arrangements, effective from 1 December 2020, to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

As a result, the processing of all inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items), as well as the delivery of inbound mail, will be affected until further notice.

Magyar Posta has advised that, on Monday, 16 March 2020, the Government of Hungary declared a state of emergency, lasting 30 days, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Consequently, Magyar Posta can pursue its activities only in compliance with the strict ad hoc measures implemented by the government. Magyar Posta is no longer able to guarantee compliance with delivery standards for all categories of mail items (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice. Magyar Posta is working continuously to improve the situation. International and domestic operations will continue to operate normally insofar as possible.

Iceland Post has advised that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items as of 19 March 2020. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit direct contact. 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.

Pos Indonesia has advised that operational activities have been partially restored as of 13 July 2020, subject to COVID-19 social distancing measures.

While processing of inbound mails has resumed, distribution to remote customs and delivery offices is still subject to delays, owing to insufficient means of transportation. Some regions have also continued to implement specific measures in response to the COVID-19 situation. This means that Pos Indonesia is still unable to guarantee the quality of service and delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, and the case of force majeure already invoked remains in force. The disruption is expected to continue until the pandemic is over.

Signature on delivery remains suspended for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.

India Post has advised that the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 crisis has been extended, though with certain relaxations.

India Post continues to accept inbound international mails; however, owing to limited domestic transport capacity, it still cannot guarantee to meet service delivery standards.

Poste Italiane has advised that based on the new measures put in force by the Italian Government to minimize the spread of COVID-19, Poste Italiane has restored the addressee’s signature upon delivery of parcels and registered and insured items whenever the addressee’s condition is fully compliant with the preventive measures in place.

Poste Italiane is committed to adopting different delivery procedures, agreed with the addressee, in the event of specific situations related to the current health emergency. As such, alternatively to the above, these postal items that would ordinarily require the addressee’s signature can be deposited in the addressee’s mailbox or in a secure location on their premises, with signature by the postman/woman on their portable devices. This special provision ensures that there is no physical contact between Poste Italiane staff and customers. And, if the addressee is absent or wishes to collect the item from a post office, a special notice of delivery will be left in their mailbox, with instructions for access to the post office.

With regard to legal acts, if the addressee’s condition does not allow safe delivery, a notice of delivery with instructions for item collection will be placed in the addressee’s mailbox.

Moreover, owing to the new wave of the pandemic, certain business categories have been closed or are operating with limited opening hours, and restrictions may be applied to postal service in critical areas. Poste Italiane is constantly monitoring the situation and timely updating the dedicated section of its website, available at www.poste.it/emergenza-covid19.html.

Also, in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect employees’ health by enabling processing by a single person, only parcels below 25 kg in weight, 120 cm in length and 150 cm for the three dimensions combined can be accepted. Parcels exceeding these weight and size limits will not be accepted until further notice. However, these restrictions do not apply to donations.

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 Postal Company has advised that given the large number of people still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the various restrictions such as physical distancing between postal employees and between postal employees and customers remain in place - 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.

The lockdown requirements imposed by the Ministry of Health, involving temporary closures of certain areas and postal facilities, with postal workers unable to access their workplace and limited numbers of employees available are leading to delays in the processing and delivery of all types of mail. Israel Postal Company would like to underline the need for addressees' mobile phone numbers to be displayed on items so that customers can be contacted by SMS to improve the delivery process.

Jordan Post Company has advised that the Jordanian Government has eased the lockdown with effect from 6 June 2020, and public sector workers have been back at work since 26 May. Jordan Post is continuing to take steps to ensure the safety of staff and customers.‎

With regard to inbound mail, all incoming items are being sanitized, and no signatures are being required for letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items.‎

The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have a major impact on operations, and consequently on quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail.‎

Kazpost JSC has advised that a state of emergency has been declared throughout the country from 16 March to 15 April 2020 and a quarantine regime has been imposed in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays in mail delivery to all areas are expected.

Latvijas Pasts has advised that the Latvian Government has extended the state of emergency until at least 6 April 2021.

During the state of emergency, postal services will continue to function with restrictions such as reduced working hours in post offices and reduction of the workforce to minimize contact between people. Items normally requiring the addressee’s signature upon delivery will be handed over without signature.

These measures will affect the processing and delivery of all types of services, including outbound and inbound letter post, parcel post and EMS, and will affect quality of service. Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared is being extended until further notice.

Lietuvos pastas has advised that the Lithuanian Government has approved tighter lockdown measures and extended the national quarantine regime until 31 January 2021.

The lockdown measures in place throughout the country include the mandatory closure of non-essential shops and services, as well as restrictions on movement.

While these measures remain in place, postal services will be operating under certain restrictions, such as limited working hours in post offices and a reduced workforce to minimize contact between people. Items normally requiring the addressee’s signature upon delivery will be handed over without signature.

The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and Lietuvos paštas is unable to guarantee compliance with the usual delivery standards. Therefore, the situation of force majeure declared earlier will continue to apply.

Post Luxembourg has advised that given the level and impact of the second wave of COVID-19, the Luxembourg Government has enacted new restrictions that came into effect on 26 November and will last at least until 15 December 2020.

Post Luxembourg is making every effort to ensure the continuity of all services and letter and parcel post deliveries, while respecting the safety guidelines and new measures aimed at reducing contacts and movements to a minimum. However, the safety measures in place for certain categories of staff across Luxembourg are liable to result in processing and delivery delays throughout the country.

Several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff, including the following:

• Post offices will remain open in general, with limited opening hours possible, but some offices may be closed temporarily;
• For all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature on delivery, the addressee’s signature will be replaced by that of the postman/woman, together with the delivery code, entered in the presence of the addressee.

Compliance with delivery standards and deadlines will not be guaranteed.

LibanPost has advised that to combat the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lebanese Government has announced a new nationwide lockdown, effective from 14 to 30 November 2020.

LibanPost’s managerial and customer service departments will remain open during this period but will be operating with a reduced workforce owing to social distancing measures. Similarly, the distribution network will continue to process mail flows, but at reduced capacity. Post offices will be subject to partial closures.

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport will remain open and will continue to send and receive mail dispatches, with outbound mail being sent only to destinations for which air transport capacity remains available.

These measures will have an impact on delivery standards for postal items. Therefore, LibanPost is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards.

Paositra Malagasy has advised that in order to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Antananarivo, the Madagascan Government has extended the lockdown measures in the Analamanga region until 23 August 2020.

In Antananarivo, the Madagascan capital, travel is subject to restrictions and the use of public transport is not permitted, in order to limit person-to-person contact as far as possible. However, post office opening hours have returned to normal (i.e. 8.00 to 16.00). Mail will therefore be delivered to post office boxes, but home deliveries may still be subject to delays.

Paositra Malagasy remains unable to guarantee quality of service for all categories of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items).

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.

MaltaPost p.l.c. has advised that the collection of signatures on delivery (with appropriate social distancing measures) has resumed since 1 July 2020 for all letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items requiring signature.

MaltaPost is still required to follow social distancing rules among staff and between staff and customers, and this may lead to delays in the processing and delivery of all types of mail items.

Also, operational conditions remain difficult in both inbound and outbound mail. Consequently, MaltaPost is still unable to guarantee quality of service and delivery standards for letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items, and the case of force majeure already invoked remains in force.

Mauritius Post has advised that its inbound international mail services are now operating normally. Outbound services to certain countries have also resumed, based on available flights.

However, as only a few airlines have resumed their operations, Mauritius Post is still unable to guarantee service standards for inbound and outbound mails. Therefore, the situation of force majeure already invoked with respect to quality of service for all categories of mail items will continue to apply until further notice.

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.

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.

PostNL has advised that owing to the COVID-19 situation in the Netherlands, and the Dutch Government’s directives in relation to the partial lockdown in force since 14 October 2020 to combat the rising number of infections, PostNL has adapted its operations to ensure the continuity of all the services provided to customers while protecting the health of postal workers and the general public.

The handover procedure implemented in March 2020 will continue. No recipient’s signature for registered items, parcels or EMS items will be collected. As PostNL is committed to ensuring the delivery of these items to its customers, alternative proofs of delivery were implemented, based on different sources of handover confirmation: these may be the signature of the delivery person, the last three digits of the addressee’s identity card, or simply a proof of delivery scan event.

Because of the partial lockdown, PostNL may not be able to ensure that all the normal inbound and outbound mail standards are met.

New Zealand Post has advised that as a result of a confirmed community outbreak of COVID-19 in Auckland after four months without community transmission, the New Zealand Government has moved the Auckland region to national COVID-19 Alert Level 3 from 00.00 (midnight) local time on Monday, 15 February, provisionally until 23.59 on Wednesday, 17 February 2021. The rest of New Zealand has moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 for the same period.

A summary of New Zealand’s COVID-19 Alert Levels and their restrictions can be found at covid19.govt.nz/alert-system.

As New Zealand Post is classified as a business entity providing essential services to the community, it will continue domestic and international inbound/outbound operations as was the case during the previous heightened COVID-19 alert levels in New Zealand between March and June 2020 and between August and October 2020.

Various protective measures (social distancing, extra cleaning) are being implemented to ensure the safety of both customers and staff. There are various additional measures in place for the Auckland region, the location of New Zealand Post’s inbound/outbound office of exchange and customer care centre.

Throughout New Zealand, contactless delivery and pick up processes apply, with delivery staff capturing the name of the receiving customer and stepping back from the door to remove the need for any physical contact.

Given the current restrictions, New Zealand Post can no longer guarantee service delivery standards, and is invoking force majeure until further notice.

It will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and will actively follow the guidance and safety recommendations issued by the New Zealand Government.

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.

Pakistan Post has advised that certain measures have been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan, including restriction of transport and other infrastructural resources.

These measures will have a major impact on operations and, consequently, on quality of service for all types of inbound mail (letter post, parcel post and EMS). Therefore, service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed, and a situation of force majeure has been declared until the situation returns to normal.

Also, Pakistan Post is currently unable to send outbound mail (letter post, parcel post and EMS) to numerous countries owing to the lack of transport capacity.

Servicios Postales del Peru S.A. (SERPOST) has advised that through decree No. 008-2021-PCM of 1 February 2021, the Peruvian Government has extended the national state of emergency until 14 February.

This decision has been taken in preparation for the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and with a view to implementing measures to limit the effects thereof. The various regions of Peru have therefore been categorized according to different alert levels, and postal services will be affected throughout the country.

The situation of force majeure declared earlier continues to apply until further notice.

PHLPost has advised that the Government of the Philippines has extended the community quarantine within the Philippines until 30 September 2020, without prejudice to the declaration of localized enhanced community quarantine in critical areas, as follows:

1. Iligan City in Mindanao Island is placed under modified enhanced community quarantine;
2. The following areas are placed in general community quarantine:

   Luzon Island: National Capital Region and the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan; and

   Visayas Island: Bacolod City and Tacloban City;

3. The remaining areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao islands are placed under modified general community quarantine.

PHLPost is continuing to transition to the “new normal” in line with government advice and plans.

All post offices remain open, while observing strict social distancing measures. Post offices in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine are conducting limited operations, with only domestic postal items being accepted, and deliveries limited to postal items containing vital communications, medicines and medical supplies, pension and loan cheques and perishable articles, along with express items. Other post offices are fully operational and can now accept and deliver domestic and international postal items.

The international mail processing centres are still operating with a skeleton workforce, but are already processing and forwarding inbound international dispatches to domestic destinations. Delays may still be expected as transport of postal items is over land within the islands, with a combination of land and sea conveyance used between islands.

Sea transport of outbound international dispatches is now back to normal, but outbound dispatches by air are subject to the availability of flights to destination countries.

Poczta Polska has advised that the measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 are still in force in Poland and will continue to affect its services.

These updated measures came into force on 28 May 2020 and will remain in force until further notice. There are no significant changes and they are as follows: registered letter-post items without advice of delivery can be delivered to the addressee's mailbox (the delivery is recorded in the IT system), while parcels and insured parcels, including advice of delivery and courier items (EMS), are delivered with signature. If the recipient refuses to sign, the last four digits from the ID document, as well as the type of ID and the exact name of the receiver, are placed in the delivery card by the courier/postman. Registered letter-post items with advice of delivery are delivered to the addressee or authorized person after verification of their ID document (the last four digits from the ID and the type of ID are placed in the delivery card as well the exact name of the receiver instead of signature).

In the case of parcel-post items, insured items with advice of delivery and EMS items addressed to persons in quarantine, the addressee will be contacted by telephone if possible before attempted delivery. If it is not possible to deliver the item to the addressee, it will be returned to the post office for temporary storage, and no notice will be left. The delivery will be attempted again once the quarantine is over.

These measures and administrative or other decisions that may exclude particular areas from delivery of mail will of course affect operations and the quality of services provided by Poczta Polska.

CTT Correios de Portugal has advised that the Portuguese Government has extended the general lockdown in place throughout Portugal at least until 1 March 2021. The authorities predict that this general lockdown will last until the end of March, in order to control the pandemic.

During the lockdown, CTT Correios de Portugal will continue to provide postal services but will operate with a reduced workforce and subject to the restrictions and safety guidelines. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and CTT Correios de Portugal is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards.

Therefore, the force majeure situation declared earlier remains in place until further notice.

To minimize contact and in accordance with physical distancing requirements, CTT Correios de Portugal will deliver registered mail into mailboxes with the exception of registered mail with associated special services.

Additional measures have been implemented whereby items subject to a delivery notice are now available for collection at CTT Correios de Portugal outlets and post offices for a longer period, namely 15 working days.

Korea Post has advised that all its postal operations are back to normal as of 18 January 2021 following staff shortages due to several confirmed COVID-19 cases among its workforce recently.

CN Poșta Română SA has advised that the state of emergency in Romania is being replaced by a state of alert with effect from 15 May 2020. Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared by Poșta Română is being extended until further notice.

Consequently, Poșta Română is still not able to guarantee service delivery standard on mail services.

Russian Post has advised that owing to the quarantine measures implemented in Moscow to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the fact that the principal office of exchange for imports is located in Moscow, Russian Post is unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards.

As a result, Russian Post is invoking a situation of force majeure with regard to quality of service and remuneration for all categories of mail item (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) until further notice.

Samoa Post has advised that the Government of Samoa has extended the state of emergency until 17 February 2021.

Delays in the delivery of mail are therefore to be expected.

La Poste du Sénégal has advised that in view of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, measures to close the borders and restrict travel have been implemented by the Government of Senegal and the airlines. These decisions will have a significant impact on shipment and delivery times for all postal items. Consequently, La Poste du Sénégal is unable to guarantee compliance with delivery standards.

Public Enterprise Post of Serbia has advised that following the lifting of the state of emergency in Serbia, the sorting and delivery of inbound international postal items has been normalized. However, owing to the lack of transport routes and restrictions in air traffic, outbound postal traffic has not yet been established with all countries.

Seychelles Postal Services has advised that Seychelles International Airport reopened on 1 August 2020. The previous schedule of international flights serving the Seychelles is gradually being resumed, as tourist demand slowly increases.

However, as flights may still be cancelled owing to low levels of demand, these can impact mail shipment.

Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously declared will continue to apply until further notice, in view of the dynamic nature of the situation and particularly the increased risks arising from the reopening of the Seychelles borders.

Slovenská pošta has advised that in response to a significant number of new COVID-19 infections, the Slovakian Government has extended the general lockdown in place throughout Slovakia at least until 24 January 2021.

Although Slovenská pošta will endeavour to minimize the effects of this extended lockdown, there will nevertheless continue to be a direct impact on the collection and delivery of domestic and international mail.

The lockdown restrictions introduced throughout Slovakia include the mandatory closure of non-essential shops and certain other services.

Slovenská pošta will continue to provide postal services but will operate with a reduced workforce and subject to the new lockdown restrictions and safety guidelines. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and Slovenská pošta is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards.

Items normally requiring the addressee’s signature upon delivery will be handed over without signature.

Therefore, the force majeure situation declared earlier remains in place until further notice.

Pošta Slovenije has advised that the Government of Slovenia has extended the formal state of the COVID-19 epidemic by 60 days as of 17 January 2021.

The government is reviewing the COVID-19 restrictions weekly, keeping an eye on the capacity of the health system and the seven-day rolling average of new infections by statistical regions, and adjusting the measures accordingly.

Pošta Slovenije will continue to provide postal services in line with public health measures and other restrictions, but with a reduced workforce, which will affect quality of service in respect of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items).

Therefore, the situation of force majeure previously notified is extended until further notice.

S.E. Correos y Telégrafos has advised that on 29 October 2020, the Spanish Government has extended until 9 May 2021 the state of emergency first declared on 14 March 2020, in order to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The state of emergency could, however, be further extended if the national authorities deem it appropriate.

This will continue to have a major impact on operations. Consequently, until further notice, S.E. Correos y Telégrafos remains unable to guarantee quality of service for all types of inbound and outbound mail and apply standard rules for items requiring signature on delivery.

Sudan Post has advised that owing to government measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and the declaration of a case of force majeure, the processing and delivery of mail is subject to delays, which will affect quality of service.

Sweden Post (PostNord Sweden) has updated that as a measure to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, Sweden Post (PostNord Sweden)has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items, with the exception of items that are delivered through a retail outlet. Delivery will be conducted via methods that limit human contact, with immediate effect.

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.

Thailand Post has advised that even though Samut Sakhon province is still categorized as a red zone (maximum control), normal processing and delivery of mail has now resumed.

The force majeure case is also closed.

The Togo Postal Corporation (La Poste) has advised that the Togolese Government has now eased the measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 in Togo.

Following a reorganization of its services, the Togo Postal Corporation has restored some of its capacity to process letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items. Because of this reorganization, designed to meet social distancing requirements, mail processing is liable to be delayed.

Postal items are delivered only over post office counters between 8.00 and 16.00, or to post office boxes. Mail processing and delivery times remain impacted.

Turkish PTT Corporation has declared a situation of force majeure with immediate effect, and delays are also to be expected for all inbound and outbound postal items.

Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPost) has advised that in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the country’s borders are currently closed to commercial air and sea traffic.

Authorizations have, however, been given for cargo flights to operate on a limited basis, but postal service quality for international inbound and outbound services and service delivery standards cannot be guaranteed until further notice.

TTPost is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure for all categories of inbound and outbound mail services.

Uganda Post has advised that precautionary measures have been implemented by the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

These measures are having an impact on its operations, processing and delivery of international mail throughout Uganda Post’s network.

Uganda Post can no longer guarantee the service delivery standards and has declared a situation of force majeure with regard to letter post, parcel post and EMS.

Ukrposhta has advised that the previously announced state of emergency across the country, initially due to end on 24 April 2020, has now been extended until 11 May 2020.

Ukrposhta is maintaining its operations, with measures in place to protect staff and customers. As these measures include self-quarantine of staff, delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail. It will not be mandatory for Ukrposhta to collect and provide written proof of delivery; registered postal items (other than summons) will be left in addressees' mailboxes, and inbound international postal items will be stored at post offices free of charge until the end of the state of emergency.

Further to earlier announcement, Emirates Post has advised that it is carrying out contactless deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For deliveries over the post office counter, the customer inserts his or her Emirates ID in a card reader, which records the name of the person collecting the item.

For deliveries to the addressee’s premises, the courier confirms the recipient’s name by asking to see ID. The courier records the name and hands over the item.

Emirates Post has advised that the government of the United Arab Emirates has extended the state of alert until further notice, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Measures and restriction taken earlier on postal service will continue.

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.

Saturday deliveries will be maintained for the majority of tracked parcel services.

Saturday deliveries of untracked letters and small packets have resumed as of 13 June 2020.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has advised that it can no longer maintain service delivery standards (i.e., on-time delivery, etc.).

USPS has changed its traditional procedures for international mail requiring signature. In lieu of asking the recipient to provide a signature, USPS delivery staff have been requested to maintain a safe distance, and ask the recipient for their first initial and family name. This information (along with delivery agent details) is entered into the mobile delivery device.

Poste Vaticane has advised that it will carry on operating and provide its services as far as it is able to. The current situation will have repercussions in terms of quality of service for all types of inward and outward mail. Under these circumstances, Poste Vaticane will no longer be able to guarantee delivery service standards.

VNPost has advised that in response to a significant number of new COVID-19 infections, the government has both extended and reinforced the measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 with effect from 26 January 2021.

While these measures are in place, VNPost will continue to provide postal services, but will be operating with a reduced workforce, and subject to the new restrictions and safety guidelines. The processing and delivery of all types of inbound and outbound mail (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) will continue to be affected, and VNPost is unable to guarantee compliance with set standards.

VNPost always coordinates with local authorities to identify delivery solutions best suited to the local situation.

The force majeure case declared earlier remains in place until further notice.