CROSS-CONTAMINATION concerns were raised about the at-home coronavirus testing kits.

Sally Ford of Corsham, raised concerns about the risk of cross-contamination which could impact the health of postal workers collecting the tests.

She said: “If the person posting the kit has the virus and is, therefore, transferring it to the envelope, that will contaminate all the post in the box and then all the mail in the sorting office and onward deliveries.”

The Royal Mail said it has worked in partnership with the chief medical officer to ensure that the process is safe for its workers.

It says that several measures have been put in place to prevent any cross-contamination including NHS workers washing their hands before and after sample collection, and again before packaging, and wiping the packaging with disinfectant wipes.

The packing also complies with the World Health Organisation’s requirements for the safe transportation of infectious viruses.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “The health of our colleagues is our first priority.

“The Chief Medical Officer has consulted with a panel of experts on the safe transport of the completed COVID-19 test kits.”