UPU: COVID-19 can only be solved through cooperation

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), the UN specialised agency for postal matters, is reviewing how postal operators are confronting COVID-19 and supporting postal operators on a number of essential fronts.

UPU has created a presentation – Keeping the mail moving – outlining the varied health efforts undertaken by Posts. The goal of this presentation is to show the work of Posts, but also to amplify ideas in the world’s health battle against the virus.

To properly coordinate all of its actions, the UPU has created an Operational Continuity Unit within its Directorate of Postal Operations. The team meets to discuss best practices on how to deal with the pandemic, including health protocols among postal operators. Other teams are working to ensure that Posts receive the necessary personal protective equipment.

As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to ensure widespread coverage, Posts around the world have provided daily information on the pandemic using UPU’s Emergency Information System (also known as EmIS).

The messages show that Posts are fully engaged with slowing the spread of COVID-19 globally and the need to comply with the safety guidelines and recommendations issued by the governments and the World Health Organisation.

As previously reported , the postal organisation issued a joint statement with UNI-Global Union calling postal operators and unions to work together to inform postal workers about the risks of infection, provide them with the necessary equipment, and recommend social distancing.

Second, UPU is also working with IATA to fast track permits allowing cargo carriers to take over withdrawn passenger operations in key hubs.