Three staff members test positive for Covid-19 at Medway Mail Centre in Strood

Royal Mail has carried out enhanced cleaning at the Medway Mail Centre in Strood, after three staff members tested positive for coronavirus.

Yesterday KentOnline received information from an anonymous source stating three people at the site had been confirmed as having the virus “within the last three days”, and that another had developed symptoms over the weekend.

The source added that social distancing had not been followed at the site over the last six weeks and that Royal Mail had failed to contact staff who had worked with those who had tested positive, in order that they could self-isolate or take a test.

The Royal Mail has now confirmed the recent cases but said colleagues had been notified, and that social distancing and hygiene measures remain in place.

A statement said: “Royal Mail takes the health and safety of its colleagues, its customers and the local communities in which we operate very seriously.

“Following three positive tests for coronavirus at the Medway Mail Centre, we have carried out an enhanced clean of the area where the individuals worked, and colleagues who worked with the individuals have all been notified and are self-isolating.

“Throughout this crisis, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.

“We have put in place a range of preventive measures to protect both our customers and our colleagues.

“As well as encouraging good hand hygiene, standard ways of working have been revised to ensure that colleagues stay two metres apart at all times.

“All staff have been briefed about the social distancing measures jointly agreed by local management and the CWU.

“This has been supplemented with visible reminders such as posters and one-way floor markings. In addition there is only one person permitted in a Royal Mail delivery vehicle at any one time.”

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