Related Articles
Eight postcode areas in Kent are experiencing a limited Royal Mail delivery service due to coronavirus.
People living in parts of Margate and Ashford are likely to face significant delays receiving their post.
Royal Mail today confirmed that Margate postcodes CT7 to CT9 as well as Ashford postcodes TN23 to TN27 are in the list where deliveries will be limited.
It also warned of changes to opening times for delivery offices for people from those areas needing to collect a parcel.
An outbreak is known to have impacted Margate Delivery Office recently, where at least three staff members testing positive.
KentLive has checked the latest information which shows Margate Delivery Office in Addington Road will only be open between 8am and 10am Monday to Friday, between 8am and 2pm on Saturday and it will be closed on Sunday.
Meanwhile Ashford Delivery Office in Tannery Lane will only be open between 8am and 10am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, between 8am and 11am on Thursday and Friday, and between 8am and 2pm on Saturday.
It will also be closed on Sunday.
Royal Mail said in a statement: “Across the UK, our people are working hard to deliver as comprehensive a service as possible to all our customers in challenging circumstances.
“Despite our best endeavours, it is possible that some areas of the country may experience a reduction in service levels due to higher volumes of mail during the lockdown, the ongoing impact of COVID-related staff absences and necessary social distancing measures at local mail centres and delivery offices.
“Right from the start of this crisis, we have played a key role keeping the country connected.
“Every single letter and parcel is important to us.
“Like most organisations, we have a number of employees who are self-isolating in line with government guidance.
“This has a direct impact on our staffing levels, especially in areas where there are higher levels of local outbreaks.
“We are working hard to deliver as normal a service as we can, drawing in extra resource and offering additional overtime where possible
“We remain grateful to all our customers in these areas for their patience and understanding as our dedicated workforce work hard to deliver these exceptional volumes, whilst also adhering to necessary social distancing measures.
“We always endeavour to keep our customers updated on any changes to our services.
“We have a dedicated section on our website.
“Throughout the pandemic, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.”
