Mail service largely uninterrupted

Neither snow, nor rain, nor a pandemic stops the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail.

Even as “non-essential” businesses have closed and Montanans have been urged to stay at home, post offices throughout the Flathead remain open and mail carriers continue to follow their routes around the valley.

“The restrictions being imposed generally exempt the provision of essential services from their scope,” explained James Boxrud, the Strategic Communications representative for USPS Western area. “…The Postal Service is therefore continuing to fulfill our critical public service mission by accepting and delivering mail and packages in accordance with federal law.”

Boxrud said the hours at local post offices are still the same, despite other changes in the community in response to COVID-19. “The Postal Service’s provision of mail and package delivery services is not affected by state and local government actions that are restricting commercial and personal activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic…The Postal Service has so far experienced only minor operational impacts in the United States as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Boxrud reported.

Mail carriers are also continuing to deliver packages on their normal routes. Boxrud noted, “The CDC, the World Health Organization and the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.”

Since there is no evidence so far of the virus being spread through the mail, the Postal Service is not currently embargoing international mail. However, delays can be expected to China, Hong Kong and European countries because of airline restrictions in these areas.

Precautions have been implemented at post offices to protect workers and customers, Boxrud related. Plexiglass dividers have been installed in the Kalispell, Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Whitefish locations, and Boxrud said they are working on getting these installation in Somers and Lakeside as well. In the meantime, the Somers and Lakeside post offices have shower curtains up.

Hand sanitizer has also been provided for workers and some customers. Tape has been placed on the floor of lobbies to encourage social distancing and CDC posters are displayed in lobbies.

Boxrud explained post offices have also made a few operational adjustments due to the outbreak.

The time limit to hold mail that can’t be delivered has been extended from 10 to 30 days. “We understand some people may not be able to get to the post office or are stuck out of town,” Boxrud said. “We have relaxed guidelines until this crisis has passed.”

Services have also been changed for passport applications. Passport services are now on an appointment-only basis and walk-in appointments will not be taken. Expedited passport application processing services are not being offered unless there is a life or death emergency. Regular passport delivery times could also be delayed.

Despite these changes, Boxrud said post offices and their employees remain active in the valley. He pointed out widespread business closures have spurred a surge in online shopping, which has in turn upped the package volumes at post offices.

“The American people are counting on the United States Postal Service to continue to connect our nation,” Boxrud said.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.