A WORKER at the Royal Mail delivery office in Malvern has said staff are not being protected properly from the deadly Covid-19 virus – but bosses deny the claims.

The employee - who does not want to be identified out of fear of losing shift hours - has made a number of allegations and came forward after reading the story in the paper of eight staff members being tested positive for coronavirus and being sent home to isolate.

Concerns raised include mask wearing not being enforced by management, new staff members not being told about workers who have tested positive and no deep cleaning has taken place with only “one lady sweeping [and] no cleaning products [being] used.”

He also sent in photos of what he claims to be dust on working surfaces.

However, the Royal Mail said it had carried out several deep cleans.

A spokesman said: “We have carried out several intensive cleans of Malvern Delivery Office including communal areas.

“We are keeping colleagues informed throughout.

“We are continuing to ensure that personal protective equipment is available to all who want it.

“As far as customers are concerned, we continue to follow government guidance that states no additional precautions are required for handling post or packages.”

Mail is still being processed and no disruption to the service is expected, despite the loss of staff due to Covid, said the spokesman.

Worcestershire’s director of public health said the risk to residents handling mail remains “low”.

Dr Kathryn Cobain said: “Residents receiving mail should be reassured there is low risk of transmission of Coronavirus via letters and parcels delivered. It is however, always good practice to wash your hands with soap and water after opening your letters or parcels.”

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

“Eight people have recently tested positive for coronavirus at the Malvern Delivery Office.

“They are now recuperating at home and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“We have carried out an intensive clean of the site and have organised additional cleaning of key touch points and all communal areas.”

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