US, Singapore set mail curbs

The US Postal Service is temporarily halting its transit service for mail sent from other countries to Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland.

A note sent to global counterparts spoke of "significant difficulties" in dispatching the mail "because most of its supplier airlines have suspended flights."

Therefore, it will no longer accept mail from other countries transitting via USPS to China, Hong Kong and Macau "until sufficient transport capacity becomes available."

It told Associated Press that the hiatus only affects transit mail and not letters and parcels posted in the United States. It also said it could no longer guarantee timely delivery of priority mail to China and Hong Kong.

In a similar note seen by AP, Singapore Post stated it is no longer accepting letters, parcels and express mail items destined for China.

The notes were shared with postal services worldwide viathe Universal Postal Union, a UN agency. The union said the suspension of flights "is going to impact the delivery of mail for the foreseeable future."

The news came as China Post said it is disinfecting its offices, processing centers and vehicles to protect staff and ensure the virus doesn't spread via mail. In a UPU note, it pointed out that the virus does not survive for long on objects and added that delivery is now made "via non-face-to-face methods."

It also said mail transiting through China is affected and that it will store undelivered mail until "transport options are once again available."

"Delays should be expected in transport and delivery during this period," it added.

The latest news on airlines saw American Airlines on Tuesday extending the suspension of its China and Hong Kong flights through April 24 amid the outbreak.