Postal Service: Let Trucks, Carriers Have Some 'Distance'

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — A regional postal supervisor is urging area residents to maintain social distancing when it comes to mail carriers and postal vehicles.

"During these challenging times, postal employees are working hard to ensure residents stay connected with their world through the mail. Whether it’s medications, a package, a paycheck, benefits or pension check, a bill or letter from a family member, postal workers understand that every piece of mail is important," wrote Kevin Clark from the U.S. Postal Service's Connecticut Valley District. "While service like this is nothing new to us, we need help in the communities with social distancing."

Here are some social distancing precautions highlighrted by Clark:

• People should not approach carriers to accept delivery, including the vehicle. Residents should let the carrier leave the mailbox before collecting the mail.
• With schools not in session, children should also be encouraged to not approach a postal vehicle or carrier.
• If a delivery requires a signature, carriers will knock on the respective door rather than touching the bell. They will maintain a safe distance, and instead of asking for a signature on their mobile device, they'll ask for the resident’s name. The carrier will leave the mail or package in a safe place for retrieval.

Clark added, "We are proud of the role all our employees play in processing, transporting, and delivering mail and packages for the American public. The CDC, World Health Organization, as well as the Surgeon General indicate there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail. With social distancing, we can keep the mail moving while keeping our employees, and the public, safe."