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

Paris – 03.07.2026: In response to the current heatwave, the French government is expanding its preventive measures and is asking La Poste postal workers nationwide to pay closer attention to isolated people and those at health risk on their regular routes. When municipalities request it, delivery workers are to make brief visits, ask about people’s condition and, where appropriate, inform municipal services or emergency services. The aim is to improve access to older people and those living alone, for whom high temperatures pose a particular risk.

The reason is new, still incomplete mortality data. According to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist, at least 2,025 additional deaths were recorded in the week from June 22 to 28 compared with the previous week. The minister stresses that only around 60 percent of death certificates are currently available in electronic format; more precise attribution to heat-related causes will be known after medical assessment. Santé publique France has announced more detailed analyses that will take regional differences and age structure into account.

The activation of La Poste is based on a letter from the Prime Minister to mayors dated June 25. It asks municipalities, prefectures, health stakeholders and social services to identify residents at risk and contact them regularly. In some départements, including the Somme with the city of Amiens, complementary services already exist, such as daily delivery of prepared meals to registered older people. Municipalities decide for themselves on the scope and arrangements; the measure is voluntary and is intended to coordinate existing local networks—such as neighborhood assistance, care services and social organizations—not replace them.

La Poste also emphasizes the protection of its staff. Routes will be moved to cooler hours where possible; additional breaks, water points and protective equipment are intended to reduce heat stress. Unions and company management agree that prevention for the public cannot come at the expense of delivery workers’ health.

Politically, the approach seeks a short-term effect using available infrastructure: postal workers know their districts, are not strangers to residents, and can quickly report irregularities. At the same time, prefectures and town halls are reminding people of basic protection rules: drink plenty of fluids, avoid physical exertion, protect homes from the sun during the day and seek help immediately if warning signs such as dizziness or confusion occur. Further recommendations from health authorities are expected in the coming days; they are intended to show to what extent the combined approach by municipalities, care services and La Poste reaches the most vulnerable people and prevents hospital admissions.