Thursday, October 3, 2024
USPS is delivering more COVID-19 tests
The organization has distributed more than 900 million since 2021
The Postal Service has begun delivering a seventh round of free at-home COVID-19 test kits.
Every U.S. household, including those in U.S. territories, is eligible to receive four test kits.
The test kit initiative is a collaboration with the White House and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“The distribution of these at-home test kits is a vital public health initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “We are proud to continue our partnership in ensuring that every household has access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy.”
The current ordering and distribution round aims to provide people with COVID-19 tests before this year’s holiday travel and gatherings begin.
Since test kit ordering began Sept. 26, more than 12 million tests have been shipped by USPS, with more than 6 million delivered to households across the nation.
The Postal Service and ASPR have distributed more than 900 million tests since the program began in winter 2021, with an average of just 1.2 days from shipment to delivery.
Tests can be ordered through COVIDTests.gov, which also has testing guidance and other information.
A special ceremony for Christmas Madonna and Child
USPS holds a dedication for the stamp in Indianapolis
The Postal Service held a special dedication ceremony last month for its Christmas Madonna and Child stamp in Indianapolis, home to the painting shown on the new release.
The stamp features an oil painting from the workshop of the 17th century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi, known as “Sassoferrato” (1609-1685).
He and his workshop produced many versions of this particular Madonna and Child; the version on the stamp is from the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, which hosted the Sept. 17 special dedication ceremony.
“The Christmas Madonna and Child stamp offers a traditional touch for cards and letters in a season of celebration, reflection and family,” said Christi Johnson-Kennedy, the USPS Indiana District manager who spoke at the ceremony.
Other speakers included Janet Holcomb, Indiana first lady; Keith Blane, Indianapolis postmaster; Jay Bigalke, Linn’s Stamp News editor; and Belinda Tate, a museum director.
The stamp is available in booklets of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
Tate thanked USPS for showcasing the Madonna and Child — and for the many other stamps the organization releases each year.
“We recognize the importance of the United States Postal Service and its integral role in shepherding visual and written communication on which we depend every day,” she said.
WestPac Area, ID-MT-OR District on top in scanning
A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 97.37 percent during the week ending Sept. 27, down 0.26 percent from one week earlier.
The data was collected Oct. 2.
WestPac led the four areas with a rating of 97.72 percent, while Southern ranked last with a 96.6 percent rating.
Among the 50 districts, Idaho-Montana-Oregon, part of WestPac Area, ranked first with a 98.42 percent rating, while Georgia, part of Southern Area, ranked last with a 94.17 percent rating.
Scanning data allows customers to track their mail and packages, which helps USPS deliver excellent service, boost loyalty and drive revenue.
To see the latest data, go to the Informed Visibility website and select “Customer Experience,” followed by “DES 2 Scan Performance.” Postal Service employees must request Informed Visibility access through eAccess.