The United States Postal Service is committed to delivering your mail and packages throughout the current pandemic. We are proud of our role in providing an essential service to every community. The one constant throughout this crisis has been our commitment to fulfilling the vital mission of the Postal Service.

We would like to share the following information:

USPS wants to help keep you – and our employees – safe. We ask for you to maintain a safe distance at all times. The Centers for Disease Control recommends keeping a distance of 6 feet or more between other individuals. Please allow a safe distance between you and your letter carrier or post office clerk while they are performing their duties.

We know it is a challenge to find ways to connect with family and friends at this time. The Post Office is one of the ways to remain in contact, and you don’t have to come to the Post Office to buy stamps or drop off your card or letter. Just go on usps.com and order your stamps and leave your stamped envelope for your letter carrier to pick up when he or she delivers your mail.

It is important to note the CDC, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Surgeon General have all said there is very low risk that this virus is being spread through mail.

Our mission to bind the nation together is achieved through the tireless efforts and sacrifices of our dedicated employees. The outpouring of support you have shown has had a great impact on everyone at the Postal Service. Knowing how much you care means everything to us. On behalf of all employees at the Lakeport Post Office – thank you.

Benjamin Lovato is postmaster for the Lakeport Post Office in Lakeport, California.