On social media, an article claiming that the USPS has suspended service in Ohio and Pennsylvania has gone viral. The headline of the article, which was published on the website Best Life on November 29, 2023, read: “USPS Temporarily Suspending Services in These Places, Effective Now”
The article claimed that, with winter approaching, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is taking security precautions due to “freezing temperatures, icy roads, and snow storms,” which can make it difficult for carriers to deliver mail. According to the website:
“On Nov. 24, the USPS updated its Service Alerts website to inform customers that it had to shut down a facility in Pittsfield, Pennsylvania. The Pittsfield Post Office is now “temporarily closed due to structural damage,” according to the alert.”Screenshot of the fake news about the U.S. Postal Service.
The article not only went viral, but it also sparked panic among people who were concerned about the suspension of services in Ohio and Pennsylvania. However, netizens should be aware that the postal service is closing only four of the thousands of operational post offices in the two states.
Furthermore, Best Life provided a link to the United States Postal Service website, stating that the postal service has the same information on its website. However, when I clicked on the link, no such information was visible. As a result, the news about the USPS suspending services in Ohio and Pennsylvania is false and untrue.
The USPS has closed only four of its 1805 post offices in Pennsylvania and 1117 in Ohio
The internet and residents of Ohio and Pennsylvania were shocked after many articles on social media claimed that the USPS was shutting down its services in the two states due to the impending winters. However, the USPS announced the closure of four postal offices in November on its website for various reasons.
According to the Postlandia website, Pennsylvania has 1805 post offices and Ohio has approximately 1117. As a result, the closure of four post offices among thousands will make little difference to residents.
This is not the first time Best Life has made such outrageous claims. In October, it published another article with the same headline, claiming that USPS is discontinuing services in states such as Indiana, Illinois, and South Carolina.
The United States Postal Service frequently issues notices when post offices are unable to send emails due to snowfall or other severe weather conditions. It also suggests that people visit the website because the organization regularly informs the public if there are any lags or temporary shutdowns.
While the news about USPS shutting down its services in the two states is false, it highlights the importance of properly verifying news as it can mislead the public.