Covid-19: SingPost debunks audio clip on infected worker spitting on mail

SingPost has debunked an audio clip allegedly circulating from Malaysia and warning members of the public to set aside mail for at least a day before handling them.

In the clip, a man claims to have seen a report on a postal worker spitting on letters after testing positive for Covid-19.

“This is absolutely untrue in Singapore,” said SingPost spokesperson Robin Goh, in a statement in Singapore.

The clip has apparently been circulating with a message claiming that it was from "Dr Christopher Lee, Head of Covid-19 Team at Sungai Buloh Hospital".

“This clip is currently making its rounds globally, including Singapore, and has the potential to instil panic and mistrust against national postal services which play a vital role in a country’s essential mail delivery service,” said Goh.

He also highlighted the fact that the clip had been debunked as fake by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister’s Department, as well as the said doctor himself who had stated formally that he did not record the clip.

Earlier today, the Health Ministry in Malaysia denied the claim that the audio clip was from Dr Christopher KC Lee, health deputy director-general (research and technical support).

Pos Malaysia also denied the allegation in the recording that it had a worker infected with Covid-19 and who had spat on the letters before they were distributed.

Meanwhile, Goh explained that SingPost had strict processes which all postal workers adhere to, for the sake of their well-being and that of the community, especially during the current Covid-19 global pandemic.

These range from a strict temperature and health declaration regime, and segregation by teams, to social distancing and round-the-clock equipment wipe-downs.

All mail processing staff members don gloves, earphones and masks during their shifts, he said.

“Our teams are also monitored via CCTV cameras across our operation floors, to ensure their safety and compliance with our measures. Along with all global postal organisations, we emphasise there is no evidence of mail and postal items presenting a risk to the public at this time,” he added. - Bernama