Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 100 postal workers across the country have died from coronavirus.
Post Workers Union officials say 18,750 postal workers were in quarantine last week because they were diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19.
Nick Casselli, president of the local union chapter, says the Philadelphia area is no exception.
He says that every day several positive cases are diagnosed and reported.
“When you come to work and your co-worker is positive about the coronavirus, as dangerous as it is, and how harmful it is. It’s scary to come to work,” Casselli said.
The postal service was already lagging behind in November after giving priority to the avalanche of email ballots that will drive this year’s election.
The result is an incalculable number of people still waiting for the arrival of holiday packages almost a week after Christmas.
This is twice as stressful for small businesses that rely on customer satisfaction.
Tara Lieberher of Harleysville, Montgomery County, launched a silk pillowcase and scarf business five weeks ago.
“When I should focus on getting more orders and getting them to people. I spend all my time on the phone with the post office trying to figure out where everything is,” he said.
But Casselli says that even though they have no staff and are overburdened, postal workers continue to work 24 hours a day.
“We’re trying to fix this boat, but right now, but the perfect storm has put us behind the ball of eight,” he said.
Postal officials say they are gaining ground when it comes to delivering parcel arrears, but do not expect them to be completely trapped for a few more weeks.
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