July 2, 2021

UPDATE 184: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On July 2, 2021, the Postal Service received notifications from various postal operators regarding changes in international mail services due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following countries have provided updates to certain mail services:

Mauritius UPDATE: Mauritius Post has advised that the Government of Mauritius has announced the easing of COVID-related restrictions as of July 1, 2021, subject to strict adherence to sanitary protocols and measures. On July 15, 2021, Mauritius will gradually open its international borders. However, COVID-19 continues to have a direct impact on international inbound and outbound mails to and from Mauritius. Therefore, the previously announced provisions and force majeure continue to apply for all inbound and outbound international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.

New Zealand UPDATE: New Zealand Post has advised that the level-2 alert in the Wellington region has ended as of June 29, 2021.

Panama UPDATE: Correos de Panama has advised that post offices, mail processing centers (domestic and international) and the air transhipment office at Tocúmen International Airport are operating under normal working hours and the biosafety measures established by the Ministry of Health of Panama (MINSA). Correos de Panamá confirms that it is able to continue to receive inbound mail destined for Panama. However, Correos de Panama is unable to guarantee service standards for inbound and outbound mail. As a result, force majeure with respect to quality of service for all categories of mail items will apply until further notice.

Thailand UPDATE: Thailand Post has advised that, following a number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the Thailand Post workforce, post offices in various parts of the country have been temporarily closed in accordance with government measures. During this period, Thailand Post will continue to provide postal services and make necessary adjustments to ensure the delivery and processing of inbound and outbound mail. However, with a reduced workforce, Thailand Post is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed standards and delays should be expected.

Unless otherwise noted, service updates to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail.

These service updates affect Priority Mail Express International^® (PMEI), Priority Mail International^® (PMI), First-Class Mail International^® (FCMI), First-Class Package International Service^® (FCPIS^®), International Priority Airmail^® (IPA^®), International Surface Air Lift^® (ISAL^®), and M-Bag^® items.

The DMM Advisory will continue to provide updates as they are received. For a full list of international service disruptions, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm