Steve Miller is keeping his distance.
The Winchester, VA, letter carrier is following the Postal Service’s guidance and staying at least 6 feet away from other people as often as possible.
“We do this to protect our customers as well as ourselves during this time of uncertainty,” he says.
As USPS continues to serve the public during the coronavirus pandemic, the organization wants all employees to follow its social distancing procedures, as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The guidelines include:
• Avoid ringing a customer’s doorbell when possible. Instead, knock on the door and avoid areas that may be frequently touched.
• Don’t ask customers to sign for a delivery. Instead, ask the customer for his or her first initial and last name, then enter that information in your Mobile Delivery Device.
• Avoid handing mail and packages to customers. Instead, politely ask the customer to step back a safe distance or close the door so you can leave the item in the mail receptacle or another appropriate location.
• Follow state and local orders on wearing face coverings. If you want or need a face covering, request a surgical mask from a supervisor or bring your own personal cloth face covering for use while on duty. If you experience discomfort while wearing a face covering during hot weather, remove the covering until the discomfort ceases. If you remove the face covering, continue to practice social distancing when you come into contact with others.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, don’t touch your face and if you have to cough or sneeze, do it in your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
Above all, Miller wants his co-workers across the nation to know that their continued service during the pandemic is appreciated.
“We are a team. We care about each other, and I pray regularly for their safety at work,” he says.