China, UAE, Morocco issue COVID stamps

With a pair of se-tenant stamps and a commemorative envelope entitled “Pursue Together, Combat the Epidemic Situation,” China is one of the latest countries to release a coronavirus-related issue.

The stamps issued by China Post depict commanders with the People’s Liberation Army alongside medics, scientists, researchers, community workers, police and volunteers. The background includes stylized images of the various transportation used to provide emergency assistance to Hubei Province plus Huanghelou Building – also known as Yellow Crane Tower – which is an ancient landmark of Wuhan, the original epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connected using the red Chinese character “Zhong,” which means “the public,” the se-tenant stamps are raising money to combat the pandemic, according to the postal service.

Each stamp carries a value of 1.20 yuan (about 25 cents Cdn.), and China Post is planning to issue 14.5 million stamps altogether.

The United Arab Emirates issued a 19-dirham souvenir sheet with one stamp on May 10.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

On May 10, Emirates Post in the United Arab Emirates issued a single-stamp souvenir sheet to celebrate the country’s frontline workers.

The 19-dirham sheet, which measures 80 millimetres by 120 millimetres, also depicts several frontline workers, including those in medical, emergency and delivery services.

Morocco issued a COVID-19 semi-postal stamp on May 7.

Proceeds from the issue will go towards Emirates Red Crescent; low-income families and housing units to support disinfection and sanitation costs; and Emirates Post’s COVID-19 fund to support its frontline workers.

MOROCCO

Lastly, following in the footsteps of past issues to raise awareness for other plights, including malaria, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, Morocco’s Poste Maroc issued a coronavirus-themed semi-postal stamp on May 7.

A $5 surcharge will go towards the country’s COVID-19 response fund.

“This program enriches the Moroccan philatelic heritage devoted to support and awareness-raising for campaigns led by the Kingdom of Morocco for social causes or against certain diseases,” according to a statement issued by Poste Maroc, which added past examples include the 1962 “World United Against Malaria” issue.

COVID-19 STAMPS

Since mid-March, when Iran unveiled the world’s first COVID-19 stamp, more than a dozen countries have followed suit with similar issues: Alderney, Central African Republic, China, Djibouti, Guernsey, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Isle of Man, Lebanon, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vietnam have all issued COVID-19 stamps.

Several of these countries have also issued special cachets, postmarks, pre-paid postcards and more, all of which can become elements of a future COVID-19 exhibit.

In response to an inquiry from CSN, Canada Post wouldn’t confirm whether or not it plans to issue a COVID-19 stamp.

“If there are further adjustments to the 2020 stamp program, we will communicate that information,” said Valérie Chartrand, Canada Post media relations officer, in an email to CSN on May 4.

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