USPS Mandatory Stand-Up Talk: Additional CDC Guidance – Cloth Face Coverings Recommended in Public Settings

April 6, 2020

Throughout the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, the Postal Service has continued to fulfill its critical mission to bind the nation together. Postal Service employees are working hard across the country to ensure we are there for our customers every day, serving as a lifeline for millions of people.

Your safety and wellness are of primary importance to the Postal Service. We continue to follow the strategies and measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Today, we want to share information on additional recommendations released by CDC regarding use of cloth face coverings.

According to the newly published guidance, CDC now recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, because COVID-19 can spread between people interacting in close proximity.

We strongly encourage all employees to follow CDC’s recommendation. If you wish to have a face covering, you may request a surgical mask from your supervisor. Employees also may bring their own personal cloth face coverings to work for use while on duty.

Employees should not rely solely on the use of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You should also adhere to social distancing guidelines (6 feet) whenever possible while on delivery routes, at retail counters, and within the postal workplace: in plants, on docks, and in lunch and break rooms.

In addition to social distancing, please remember to follow these CDC recommended prevention methods:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue, then throw tissue in trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use a 60-percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The Postal Service provides an essential service to our nation. Customers are expressing their gratitude to us in every community we serve.

Taking steps to stay healthy and well means we can continue to be a stable, calming presence across the country.

Thank you for everything you are doing for our customers.

Click here to view/download the “USPS Mandatory Stand-Up Talk: Additional CDC Guidance – Cloth Face Coverings Recommended in Public Settings” document. 

Click here to view/download the accompanying “Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19” document.