UK couriers have not relaxed their safety precautions following this week’s easing of lockdown rules across Britain. The home delivery expert ParcelHero says the UK’s leading couriers are retaining their Covid protocols, including socially distanced deliveries and using alternative proof-of-delivery measures.
ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘It’s great that life is slowly returning to normal and we welcomed the easing of lockdown restrictions yesterday (17 May), but with a new variant on the rise in the UK, the battle against Covid-19 is far from won.’
‘Anyone nervous about receiving a parcel or arranging a pick-up need not be. Couriers introduced various measures to ensure the safety of customers and drivers at the start of the pandemic and these remain unchanged. For example, alternatives to signing a handheld device for proof-of-delivery remain in place and couriers will still deliver to customers’ designated safe places where possible.
‘As has happened throughout the pandemic, delivery drivers will continue to leave parcels at the door and knock if no safe place has been designated. For items specifically requiring proof of delivery, couriers and posties will either photograph the parcel in the open doorway or ask for confirmation of your name to complete the delivery.
‘It’s very much business-as-Covid-usual for delivery companies. Government guidance still requires staff to wear face masks in storage and distribution facilities. In addition, customers are still recommended to stay at least 2 metres away from people visiting their home, such as tradesmen and delivery drivers.
‘While many customers wanted Covid doorstep protocols to remain in place for now, they have been eagerly awaiting the restoration of many pre-pandemic services. This month sees the welcome return of money-back guarantees on some couriers’ European express delivery services, for example.
‘We recommend everyone sending a parcel continues to check which options are currently available from their chosen courier as they book their pick-up. Keep in mind that extended delivery times on some guaranteed services – such as Post Office next-day deliveries – remain in place for now.
‘Of course, while the UK is now rolling back lockdown restrictions, not every country is able to do so. In fact, some countries are having to introduce new restrictions. Currently, parcel services to India and Bangladesh are being delayed by at least two days, though deliveries are still getting through. There are also problems delivering to Toronto in Canada, where a new Covid outbreak has hit courier facilities. Again, expect a couple of days’ delay.
‘All the UK and international services listed on the ParcelHero website are live, so senders can see the full range of delivery options to every destination currently available.
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