USPS CHINA VIRUS MAIL UPDATE

USPS ALERT: Temporarily suspending the guarantee on Priority Mail Express International destined for China and Hong Kong, effective Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, due to widespread airline cancellations and restrictions into this area.

China Post advises that it is taking steps to prevent and minimize the spread of the coronavirus. It notes that according to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses do not survive for long on objects. The post says it is therefore safe to receive postal items from China without risk of contracting the virus. Measures have nevertheless been implemented to ensure the safety of mail processing and postal staff, including disinfection of postal offices, processing centers and transportation vehicles, and monitoring of postal staff’s physical health.

For all inbound mail, China Post will contact the recipient by telephone in advance about their delivery preferences. Delivery will be conducted via non-face-to-face methods, such as temporary storage at the postal outlet, availability for collection from the outlet, or delivery to a smart parcel locker. Therefore, delays should be expected in the processing and delivery of inbound mail, and it may not be possible to provide written proof of delivery.

Some international airlines have suspended flights to mainland China and some border ports in neighboring countries are also temporarily closed. China Post will temporarily store affected transit mail (air and surface) and will transport it to the destination countries when these transport options are once again available. Expect delays in transport and delivery during this period.

Check back for updates.