December 28, 2020

UPDATE 120: International Mail Service Updates Related to COVID-19

On December 28, 2020, 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:

Israel UPDATE: Israel Postal Company has advised that, owing to the increasing number of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Israel and the country’s health authorities have declared a general lockdown for the whole country from December 27, 2020 until January 11, 2021 or a later date. Postal services will continue to function with restrictions and items normally requiring the addressee’s signature upon delivery will continue to be handed over without signature. These measures will affect the processing and delivery of all types of services, including outbound and inbound letter post, parcel post and EMS, with an impact on quality of service. As a result, the previously announced restrictions regarding service standards and force majeure remain in place.

Thailand UPDATE: Thailand Post has advised that, in response to the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Thai Government has declared special measures, placing areas in one of four categories depending on the level of severity. Samut Sakhon province has been locked down and declared a maximum control zone. Accessibility to affected areas is limited, and delays are to be expected in handling and delivery processes for all types of international postal services (letter post, parcel post and EMS), especially in Samut Sakhon (delivery office codes 74XXX). Signature upon delivery may also be suspended. Thailand Post is therefore unable to guarantee quality standards for any category of inbound and outbound mail until further notice.

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