Heatwave: government involves La Poste in caring for isolated elderly people

Paris – 03.07.2026: In light of the current heatwave, the French government is expanding its preventive measures and is asking La Poste mail carriers nationwide to pay closer attention to isolated and medically vulnerable people on their regular routes. Where municipalities request it, carriers must make short visits, ask about their well-being and, if necessary, inform municipal services or emergency services. The aim is to improve access to elderly people and those living alone, for whom high temperatures pose a particular risk.

The trigger is new, still incomplete mortality figures. According to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist, at least 2,025 additional deaths were recorded in the week from 22 to 28 June compared with the previous week. The minister emphasizes that only around 60 percent of death certificates are already available electronically; more precise classifications of heat-related causes will follow after medical evaluation. Santé publique France announces more detailed analyses that will take regional differences and age structures into account.

La Poste’s involvement is based on a letter from the Prime Minister to mayors dated 25 June. It asks municipalities, prefectures, care providers and social services to identify and regularly contact vulnerable residents. In several departments, including the Somme with its administrative center Amiens, additional services are already in place, such as the daily delivery of prepared meals to registered seniors. Municipalities decide for themselves on the scope and modalities; the measure is voluntary and is intended to connect—not replace—existing local networks such as neighborhood assistance, care services and community organizations.

At the same time, La Poste points to the protection of its own staff. Routes are, where possible, shifted to cooler times of day; additional breaks, drinking points and protective equipment are intended to reduce heat stress. Unions and company management agree that prevention for citizens must not come at the expense of mail carriers’ health.

Politically, the approach is aimed at a short-term effect using existing infrastructure: mail carriers know their neighborhoods, do not stand out as strangers and can quickly report anything unusual. At the same time, prefectures and town halls remind people of simple protective rules: drink plenty, avoid physical exertion, keep living spaces dark during the day and seek help immediately in case of warning signs such as dizziness or drowsiness. Further guidance from health authorities is expected in the coming days; it should show to what extent the combined approach of municipalities, care services and La Poste reaches particularly vulnerable people and prevents hospital admissions.