CUSTOMERS have experienced delays in deliveries in parts of Dorset and Hampshire as two members of a delivery office tested positive for coronavirus.

Residents in Verwood reported experiencing delays with deliveries, stating only four of fourteen post men and women were serving the town.

A Royal Mail Spokesperson said: “Royal Mail takes the health and safety of its colleagues, its customers and the local communities in which we operate very seriously.

“Two colleagues have tested positive for coronavirus at Ringwood Delivery Office. We wish them a speedy recovery.

“A number of members of staff are self-isolating through the Test and Trace service. We have carried out an intensive clean of the site and have organised additional cleaning of key touch points and all communal areas.

“We are keeping the CWU and colleagues updated. We are working hard to provide the most comprehensive service we are able to.

“Throughout this crisis, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first. We have put in place a range of preventive measures to protect both our customers and our colleagues.

“We were the first UK company to put in place social-distancing measures in relation to parcel delivery. We pioneered contact-free delivery.

“We are temporarily not handing over our hand-held devices to customers to capture signatures. As well as encouraging good hand hygiene, standard ways of working have been revised to ensure that colleagues maintain appropriate social distancing at all times.

“All staff have been briefed about the social distancing measures jointly agreed by local management and the CWU. This has been supplemented with visible reminders such as posters and one-way floor markings.”