Canada Post is implementing a ‘knock, drop, and go’ approach to eliminate customer interactions while delivering mail during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Letter carriers will knock at the door or ring the doorbell, and leave mail in the safest place possible. If a package needs identification or customs payment, people will need to pick it up at a post office. People are still able to use cash, but using the ‘tap’ function on a debit or credit cards is preferred.

“While we all support social and physical distancing efforts to keep our communities safe, social interaction from a distance is still very much appreciated by our people,” said a statement from Canada Post.

“Like other organizations providing important services, our people are working hard under difficult circumstances.”

Most post offices will open an hour later and closing an hour earlier to allow staff time to clean and restock. The first hour of the day will be dedicated to people at risk, including seniors and people with compromised immune systems.

“We are working to keep our post offices open, but some may close due to building closures beyond our control and some smaller locations may close due to personnel reasons,” added the statement. “In these cases, we will direct customers to the nearest operating post office.”

And while in facilities, people are being asked to stand two metres away from each other while waiting in line. A few stores may limit the number of people inside at any given time.

Canada Post is also suspending the 15-day hold period, adding that parcels left at the post-office for pickup will not be returned-to-sender until further notice.

People who are feeling sick or self-isolating are being urged to only pick up their parcel when it’s safe to do so.