In areas where local and state governments have ordered or directed people to wear face masks, Postal Service employees should comply.
Additionally, any USPS employee who is unable to achieve social distancing in his or her workplace should wear a face covering.
The new policy takes effect April 21 and will remain in place until further notice.
The Postal Service has distributed a stand-up talk for managers and supervisors to announce the new policy to employees, along with posters for retail lobbies.
To combat the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures, such as standing 6 feet apart, are difficult to maintain.
The Postal Service encourages all employees to follow CDC’s recommendation.
Employees may request a face covering or a surgical mask from a supervisor, or they may bring personal cloth face coverings to work for use while on duty. Employees who cannot wear a face covering for health reasons are asked to contact their supervisor.
Employees shouldn’t rely solely on cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Employees should also adhere to social distancing guidelines whenever possible while on delivery routes, at retail counters and within postal workplaces, including plants, docks, lunch rooms and break rooms.
The Postal Service also encourages employees to follow CDC’s other guidance, including proper handwashing and observing good personal hygiene.
USPS will continue to provide updated safety guidance and recommendations to ensure employees and customers are informed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Employees can also refer to the COVID-19 Blue and LiteBlue pages for additional updates.
