USPS announces end of COVID-19 protocols

May 17, 2023

• Effective May 12, 2023, the Postal Service has discontinued all Covid-19 specific protocols, including all memoranda of understanding, policies, and work practice restrictions and requirements.

However, we must all understand that COVID-19 and other communicable diseases still pose a threat. Many members in their line of work are susceptible to these illnesses, which may become severe or life-threatening. The APWU urges sick employees to stay at home to prevent the spread of any communicable disease, and any discipline from management related to staying home when ill should be fought vigorously. Employees should continue to test when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and mask up. All employees must respect those who choose to continue to wear masks or if they ask others to keep their distance.

The following text comes from USPS management:

Earlier this year Congress voted on and the President signed a bill that ended the COVID National Emergency in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic over as well and stated that countries should now manage COVID-19 the same way it does any other virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ramped down their activities related to the pandemic as well.

Many activities related to the pandemic we had become accustomed to--include daily tracking and requiring labs to report positive tests, regular free COVID tests, mask requirements, reporting, etc. have come to an end. Many states have regulations in place that outside a health emergency they are not allowed to report positive disease testing outside their states.

With the end of the health emergency and the regulations that come with it, the Postal Service has ended all of its COVID protocols and policies. The memorandum was sent to the field this past weekend by the Postal Service. The memo provides this information:

• Employees are no longer required to report positive findings of COVID-19 or potential exposure.
• COVID-19 tracking for the Postal Service has been ended and past reports are being archived.
• Clearance is no longer required for return to work
• All social distancing requirements have been terminated. Including for Driver Safety Instructors.
• All standard work instructions preventing contact with other employees within six feet are no longer in effect.

To read the full memorandum, please see the resource below.