Latest Updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document

No. 160/2021

15 April 2021

Our Ref: E1/21

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Royal Mail Group – Latest Updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 86)

I attach for your information Version 86 of the Royal Mail Group, Managers’ Coronavirus/Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance document, issued by the business on 14 April 2021.

At the commencement of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 outbreak, Royal Mail Group established a ‘Business Pandemic Team’ which includes all national heads of department and this team meets regularly to review the situation across Royal Mail Group and to issue update Questions and Answers information communications to all managers, which is cascaded throughout the business.

The Coronavirus Guidance, version 86 Q&A document has been shared with the Union’s Health, Safety & Environment Department and is hereby circulated for information and reference purposes for CWU Regions, Health and Safety Reps, Branch Reps, Divisional IR Reps and members.

The Q&A documents are circulated to all RMG managers and are also available to access through a link on the Royal Mail Group ‘Intranet’, in the ‘Managers Update Messages’ section.

Update Changes and Additions From Previous Version:

Please note that when update changes and additions are made from the previous version, they are normally highlighted in ‘Yellow’ and the update changes in this version No 86 are on page 13 and are in relation to questions regarding Covid-19 Lateral Flow Device Rapid Tests and the sterilisation process which used ‘Ethylene Oxide’. In summary the two questions and answers are (full answer on P13):

• Q: Lateral Flow Devices are sterilised using ethylene oxide. What tests have been completed to check that they are safe for regular use? Lateral flow tests have been rigorously tested and are safe to use on a regular basis. LFD tests are approved for use by the MHRA, the UK’s regulator of medicines and medical devices, responsible for ensuring their safety, quality and effectiveness.

• Q: Is ethylene oxide used in the sterilisation of LFD tests and is this safe? Lateral flow tests have been certified safe to use both in the EU and UK. Ethylene oxide is used in the sterilisation of swabs only. Ethylene oxide is one of the most commonly used sterilisation methods in the healthcare industry.

RMG Covid-19 FAQ’s V86 Contents List:

1.HEALTH

1. Prevention

2. Self-isolation, testing and reporting

3. Cleaning and consumables

4. Travel

5. Support and advice

2.POLICY

1. General guidance

2. Travel/and annual holiday

3. Caring for dependants

4. Sick pay

5. Attendance process

6. Vulnerable employees

3.OPERATIONAL

1. General Ops advice

2. NHS testing kits

3. Operational processes and reporting changes

4. Delivering and collecting from customers

5. Fleet and vehicles

4.ADVICE FOR CUSTOMERS

Enquiries:

Any enquiries regarding this LTB or feedback on the RMG Q&A document should be directed to Dave Joyce CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer. Issues received in connection with the attached which are appropriate to other CWU/HQ Departments will be passed on the appropriate National Officer.

Attachment:

• Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers V86

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 160/21 – Royal Mail Group – Latest Updated Coronavirus Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 86)

Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers v86