Lidové noviny: Masks can be sent as a gift for free also in large quantities

PRAGUE The Czech Post is trying to support the wave of solidarity that is moving the Czech Republic in times of pandemic. For more than two weeks, it has been delivering transparent packages with masks free of charge throughout the country. The post has so far handed over thousands of such packages, dozens of which have been addressed directly to mail carriers. The compassionate gesture is shown by ordinary people, but they also receive masks from cities and companies. Nevertheless, the disease has also affected their ranks. However, masks are delivered free of charge also by other delivery companies, for example PPL or DPD. 

The post launched the free service on March 19 - on the days when the whole of Czechia embarked on hand sewing of masks. “Free postage is the Czech Post's support for solidarity between people in difficult situations,” said the company’s spokesman, Matyáš Vitík, to LN. “However, the recipient must receive the contents of the shipment as a gift,” says Vitík. 

A shipment of masks can be sent from any post office in order to check the contents; they are accepted as standard letters. "The masks must be in a transparent package, such as a plastic bag or office foil, and are marked with a label Masks next to the recipient information,” the spokesman said. Post customers send free packages across the country, and mail carriers have delivered thousands of these shipments in two weeks. 

However, there were also customer complaints on social media that the shipment with masks did not reach the recipient. According to Vitík, the reasons are simple - mostly because of a lost or missing address. As of 30 March, 101 undeliverable packages with masks had been collected at the Brno post office. Some recipients could still be traced. 

Dozens of packages with masks were also presented to the mail carriers themselves. "We appreciate these shipments very much and currently they help us not only materially, but also as a symbolic gesture of our customers,” thanks Vitík. 

However, private companies also think of mail carriers. Daniel Římal, the founder of the Czechoslovak Real Estate Fund SICAV donated exactly 500 hand-sewn masks to them on Friday. “Postmen are among the people every day and I am glad that at least that is how our company can express our gratitude to them,” says Římal. 

PPL joined the aid on 1 April. The delivery company provides free delivery of masks for private individuals who want to send them to non-profit organizations or medical facilities. “Just tell us where to pick up the masks, to what organization we should deliver them and how many there will be,” says Petr Horák, CEO of PPL. The package must contain at least 30 pieces to be delivered free of charge. 

DPD also cooperates and delivered masks for its partners free of charge. "Now we have also started to distribute 3,000 deliveries of protective shields free of charge for Prusa3D which will donate them to frontline healthcare professionals and physicians,” Miloš Malaník, CEO of DPD confirmed to LN. 
 

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