Coronavirus: Royal Mail says it is safe to send Mother’s Day cards - and 4 other things to do if you’re spending the day apart

It is ‘business as usual’ for Royal Mail, spokesperson says

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The arrival of Mother’s Day comes at an uncertain time this year as people are being advised to self-isolate and avoid unnecessary social contact amid the coronavirus outbreak.

On a day that many will have likely planned on spending with their loved ones, they may now have to spend apart from their relatives in order to prevent further spread of the virus.

While this scenario is far from ideal, it does not mean that Mother’s Day cannot be observed and mothers honoured on Sunday 22 March.

For anyone worried about whether they can still send their mothers or family members being celebrated on Mother’s Day cards or gifts in the lead-up to the weekend, the Royal Mail has offered reassuring words.

According to Shane O’Riordain, managing director of marketing, regulation and corporate affairs at Royal Mail, it is “business as usual” for the postal service.

In a statement sent to The Independent, Mr O’Riordain said: “We are delivering the many items that people order online six days a week across the UK. We are delivering important documents like hospital appointments. We will continue to play our part.”

Mr O’Riordain stressed that the “health, safety and wellbeing” of the Royal Mail’s staff, customers and communities in which it operates is the company’s “number one priority”, adding that for the time being, hand-held devices will not be handed to customers for their signatures.

Furthermore, certain measures have been taken to promote “good hand hygiene” among staff, including promoting regular and thorough hand-washing, advising colleagues to carry disposable tissues that providing disposable latex gloves that are available upon request.

On the Royal Mail’s website, it states that Public Health England has “advised that people receiving parcels are not at risk of contracting the coronavirus”.

“From experience with other coronaviruses, we know that these types of viruses don’t survive long on objects, such as letters or parcels,” the Royal Mail writes.

“This complements the highly publicised guidance from PHE for people to wash their hands more often than usual using soap and hot water.”

The Royal Mail added that it is “actively monitoring this rapidly evolving situation”.

So aside from sending cards and gifts via the mail, how else can you mark Mother’s Day if you are unable to see your mother in person on the day?

1. Video Chat

There are several video chat applications you can use to communicate with your colleagues, friends and family while self-isolating, including FaceTime, WhatsApp video calling, Zoom, Google Hangouts and Skype.

2. Send flowers

You can also treat your mother to a surprise bouquet of flowers or hamper of goodies via a courier, so that she feels truly spoilt on her special day.

Many businesses, like the Royal Mail, are taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of both their staff and their customers.

3. Donate to charity

Alternatively you can spend the money you would have spent on your mother for Mother’s Day on a worthy cause instead, such as by donating money or supplies to a food bank.

4. Buy a voucher for the future

Lots of small businesses are struggling with increased social distancing measures and people going into self-isolation meaning people aren't shopping or spending money, so why not support your local businesses by buying a voucher for an activity or product that your mum can redeem in the future?

Although ensure that the use-by date isn't going to expire before you're likely to be able to use it.

While it would evidently be preferable to celebrate Mother's Day in person with your loved ones, safety must take precedence if you are unable to spend time with them this weekend.