People continue to rely on cards and mail to keep in touch with family and friends and to overcome feelings of isolation during the coronavirus pandemic, a new survey by the Postal Service has found.
One-third of respondents said cards and letters from family and friends lift their spirits, while 62 percent said receiving a card or letter in the mail makes them feel more connected during social distancing.
More than 1,000 adults participated in the online survey, which the USPS Market Research and Insights department conducted from April 15-17 and released last week.
Other highlights:
• About two-thirds of respondents said they feel increasingly isolated and distant from people and that the pandemic has affected their mental well-being.
• Approximately 1 in 6 respondents said they have sent more mail — mostly greeting cards — to family and friends during the past few weeks. Those most likely to send cards and letters are younger adults or those with kids, and people who have higher incomes.
• Forty-two percent of respondents said they rely more on mail as a result of social distancing.
• Being able to shop for cards and stationery in retail locations permitted to be open during the pandemic was a concern for 40 percent of respondents. Cards, stamps, stationery, shipping supplies and other postal products can be ordered through the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/store.
The PostalPro website has the complete survey results.
