"This USPS Letter Is Being Misread"

"This USPS Letter Is Being Misread" January 5, 2026 OFFICER: SUBJECT: Postal Service Employees Continue to Provide Essential Services I. Background During large-scale emergencies (epidemics, hurricanes, civil unrest, etc.), states and localities may issue curfew orders or other directives restricting travel and other commercial and personal activities. Many of these orders will explicitly exempt providers of essential services, but some do not. Even if a state or local action does not contain such an exemption, the Postal Service's operations are governed by federal law. Therefore, we continue to fulfill our public service. Postal employees are essential workers that may be exempt from state and local directives, any decision by the Postal Service to continue operations during an emergency must ensure the safety of our employees and the public. The Postal Service will continue working closely with federal, state, and local authorities to ensure that we are safely carrying out our mission during emergencies. II. Employees and Contractors Should Carry the Essential Services Letter with them as they Perform Duties for the Postal Service and Travel to and from work Because state and local government restrictions do not apply to Postal Service employees and contractors from reporting to and performing their work, Postal Service employees and contractors must be provided with a copy of the Essential Services Letter attached to this memorandum. In an effort to assist employees who may be stopped and questioned by local law enforcement about their activities as a result of a state or local legal directive restricting travel or other commercial and personal activities, the Postal Service is providing employees with this letter explaining the essential nature of Postal Service employees and contractors. This letter, in addition to the employee's or contractor's Postal Identification (ID) badge, should resolve any questions raised by state or local law enforcement officials. It is critical that all employees and contractors carry their Postal ID badge with them at all times. If encountered or stopped by state or local law enforcement officials enforcing travel restrictions, the employee or contractor should identify themselves as a Postal Service employee. show the official their Postal-issued ID badge, and provide a copy of the letter with this information to the official. The state or local official should allow employees and contractors to continue their travel or work. However, if the employees and contractors run into any issues, they should contact their supervisor or manager. Questions regarding this process should be elevated to your Area or Headquarters Law Office. Doug A. Tulino ATS-1, Tower Place SW Washington, DC 20260-0000 This USPS Letter Is Being Misread LET'S SLOW THIS DOWN FOR A SECOND BECAUSE THIS DOCUMENT IS GOING VIRAL FOR THE WRONG REASON. THIS LETTER IS FROM THE U POSTAL SERVICE, DATED JANUARY 5TH, 2026. SAYING IT MEANS LOCKDOWNS ARE COMING OR SOMETHING BIG IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THAT'S NOT WHAT IT IS. THIS RIGHT HERE IS AN INTERNATIONAL USPS MEMO REMINDER POST WORKERS, LETTING THEM KNOW THAT THEY ARE CLASSIFIED ESSENTIAL WORKERS UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IT EXPLAINS IF AN EMERGENCY, A HURRICANE, A PANDEMIC, MAIL CARRIERS ARE STILL ALLOWED TO TRAVEL UNDER THESE RESTRICTIONS, THAT'S WHY THIS LETTER TELLS THE WORKERS TO CARRY PSI D. POLICE STOP THEM, THERE'S NO CONFUSION. REMEMBER WHEN THIS CAME OUT DURING IT'S NOT A NEW LAW. IT HAS NOT A LOCKDOWN NOTICE, AND IT DEFINITELY AIN'T A NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. IT'S JUST PAPERWORK, ROUTINE PROTOCOL. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, IF YOU'RE CONFUSED, ALWAYS READ THE DOCUMENTS, NOT THE CAPTION. HAY, A LOCKDOWN NOTICE. THIS IS A CONTINUING US PS. MEMO. ONLY READ THE CONTEXT.