According to the Postal Service, the requirement for employees to use face coverings or masks continues when social distancing of six (6) feet cannot be maintained in public, or in public-facing settings when required by state or local orders or directives.
Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the Postal Service has continued to fulfill its critical mission to bind the nation together. Postal Service employees are working hard across the country to ensure we are there for our customers every day, serving as a lifeline for millions of people.
As we are now in peak season, our mission is even more critical, and your safety and wellness are of the utmost importance. At the same time, we face unique challenges during peak season.
With an increase in staffing and an abundance of packages in our facilities, it is going to be increasingly difficult to maintain social distancing. So, we are urging you to have a face covering readily available when working and to wear a face covering whenever possible to ensure that you continue to protect yourself and your co-workers. If you do not have a face covering or if you require a new one, please request one from your supervisor.
The policy regarding face coverings has not been changed, rather it is being reinforced. The policy states that all employees are required to wear face coverings in the following situations, until the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer an issue.
• In public-facing settings when there is a state or local face covering order or directive in place; or
• When an employee who does not deal directly with the public cannot achieve or maintain social distancing in the workplace.
As indicated, you may request a face covering or surgical mask from your supervisor. You also may bring your own personal cloth face coverings to work for use while on duty. If you cannot wear a face covering for health reasons, you should immediately contact your supervisor.
You should not rely solely on the use of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You should also adhere to social distancing guidelines (6 feet) whenever possible while on delivery routes, at retail counters, and within the postal workplace: in plants, on docks and in lunch and break rooms.
In addition to social distancing, please follow these recommended prevention methods from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue, then throw tissue in trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use a 60-percent or higher alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Get a flu shot.
The Postal Service provides an essential service to our nation. Customers are expressing their gratitude to us in every community we serve. Taking steps to stay healthy and well means we can continue to provide our critical services and to be a stable, calming presence across the country.