TheCable

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has directed its staff members in Ibadan zonal office to go on a two-week isolation.

The directive follows a report that a staff member had been infected by COVID-19.

Franklin Alao, NIPOST’s corporate communications manager, in a statement on Monday said the guidelines for maintaining the health of workers and those who transact businesses with the organisation nationwide remain sacrosanct.

“In reference to the COVID-19 scare that was reported in Ibadan zonal office, immediately the headquarters was informed by the zonal manager, the staff and all other staff members on the shift were directed to isolate for two weeks. And they have been in isolation for the past fourteen days,” the statement read.

“It should be stated categorically that part of the measures already in force by NIPOST was to create additional counters to accommodate the protocol of COVID-19 social distancing.

“The organisation has directed its staff at the zonal headquarters to expand the counters where customers come to patronise the postal services to ensure at least 2 metres distance.”

Alao said NIPOST was among government organisations granted waiver to operate as essential service providers, prompting it to create shifts for officers.

“It is imperative to assure the public that the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that the possibility of contracting the pandemic through handling of mail and mail items is near zero rate,” he added.

He, however, said this does not stop NIPOST from taking measures to minimise risk and ensure the wellbeing of its workforce and customers, such as staff wearing face masks, and use of hand sanitisers before and after handling mails and mail items.