Last Updated on March 18, 2020 9:54 am
In the wake of the COVID-19 virus, our highest priority is to do our part to help ensure the health and safety of our employees, customers, and suppliers while meeting our service commitments.
From the outset, UPS has maintained delivery services except where limited by government restrictions. We have also worked in partnership with governments around the world to obtain exceptions that allow our shipments to continue in restricted areas. Further, we have actively supported customers and partners by providing in-kind transport of more than 4 million masks and other medical supplies to mainland China to address the outbreak.
Our network planning and operations teams are experienced with adapting to changing conditions, and we are developing contingency plans to address potential sources of disruption in our air and ground networks. Of course, we will comply with all government regulations and guidelines related to the containment of COVID-19.
Many of UPS’s office-based employees are able to telecommute, and all UPS staff across the globe will continue to receive guidance on the best ways to prevent the spread of infection that are aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include:
- Cleaning your hands often. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, unless you seek medical care.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
If a UPS employee experiences symptoms such as fever or respiratory infection, they are required to seek medical treatment immediately.
Importantly, the WHO and U.S. CDC have stated that the likelihood of the COVID-19 virus contaminating cardboard or other shipping containers is low. If there is a concern, disinfecting the shipment or using protective apparel when unwrapping the container will reduce the risk of exposure.
In addition to tracking your deliveries on UPS.com, where available, you can sign up for UPS My Choice. With the free UPS My Choice, you can tell your UPS driver where to leave your deliveries, redirect your deliveries to another address, and receive notifications on when to expect your deliveries from UPS.
We share the concern of the global community and hope the virus can be contained and eradicated as quickly as possible.
For more information, we encourage you to visit WHO’s Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) and the CDC’s FAQ on the issue.
