Early opening for OAPs amongst An Post's COVID-19 measures
The "majority" of post offices will open from 8am this Friday, March 20 to enable pensioners to conduct their business ahead of other customers.
The development was announced by An Post today as one of a number of measures to assist customers and help the national effort to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
An Post says the service and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) are working closely on measures.
Another measure introduced sees customers impacted by Covid-19 able to nominate a ‘Temporary Agent’ to act on their behalf by completing, in advance, a form available at post offices and online at anpost.com/tempagent.
Post Offices meanwhile have introduced social distancing and some other practical measures to safeguard customers and staff.
Post Office staff will capture customer details directly, avoiding the need for customers to handle counter equipment such as signing pads and pens.
“Display boards, floor signs and staff will remind customers to remain apart from other people while in the Post Office,” explained the An Post spokesperson
Mails & Parcels
Due to the “exceptional commitment” of postal staff throughout the country An Post is endeavouring to maintain collection and delivery services “for as long as possible”. But flight cancellations to and from a growing number of countries is impacting international services.
“Customers are no longer being asked to sign for mail deliveries requiring signature, rather the Postperson will sign to confirm the delivery in the presence of the customer. Undeliverable items will be kept at An Post local delivery offices for collection by customers on production of proof of address and photo ID.”
Stamp price
Separately, a planed stamp price increase scheduled for March 18 has been postponed indefinitely while the country continues to deal with the Coronavirus crisis.
Debbie Byrne, An Post, Managing Director, An Post Retail says the service recognises that the coming weeks will be difficult for customers. ‘’Our hope is that ongoing practical response to the needs of customers will help us playing our part in the national effort’’.
She adds: ‘’An Post is conscious of our role in helping customers access cash and in facilitating local commerce wherever possible and this will continue.’’