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MAIL deliveries have been delayed following a Covid-19 outbreak at a Royal Mail sorting office.
Benfleet residents shared online that they were left waiting for their post last week.
Royal Mail bosses confirmed two members of staff at the Benfleet delivery office, in Church Road, had tested positive for Covid-19 and a number of others were self-isolating.
Residents claimed up to 24 staff members were in self-isolation, but Royal Mail refused to state how many were affected.
Despite the delays, residents have praised the postal team for their efforts during the pandemic.
Maureen Cordingley wrote on Facebook: “I’ve not had post for over a week now so I quite understand why. Poor souls did a fabulous job in the first lockdown and now their fighting this virus themselves. Hope they get well soon.”
A spokesman said: “Royal Mail takes the health and safety of its colleagues, its customers and the local communities in which we operate very seriously.
“Two colleagues have tested positive for coronavirus at Benfleet Delivery Office. They are now recuperating at home and we wish them a speedy recovery.
“A number of members of staff are self-isolating through the Test and Trace service.”
The spokesman said Royal Mail had “intensively cleaned” the site, were keeping union representatives and colleagues regularly updated and that it was “increasing resources”.
They added: “Since the start of this crisis we have said that despite our best endeavours, it is possible that some areas may experience a temporary reduction in service due to coronavirus-related absences and necessary social distancing measures.”
