Since the Coronavirus first began to spread in late 2019, businesses and individuals worldwide have had to adapt to new, uncertain times. For many, this pandemic changed how business is done, down to the smallest detail. Even sending and receiving mail has not been spared. 

Mail service has been severely disrupted since March 2020, when things started to worsen in the United States. Delivery in many parts of the country has been delayed, and many Americans have avoided the post office for fear of contracting the virus. Luckily, for those looking for a way to manage their physical mail remotely, there are options, including a virtual mailbox.

What Is a Virtual Mailbox?

A virtual mailbox is an online solution for mail delivery that allows businesses and individuals to set up a real, physical address nearly anywhere in the U.S. to receive their mail. A virtual mailbox receives the mail on your behalf, scans it, and uploads the image of the envelope or package for you to view. 

As the mailbox owner, you decide what to do next with the mail, including opening, shredding, or forwarding it to a new address. These mailboxes allow anyone to receive mail from any carrier while managing and organizing it 100% online, similar to how you may organize your email inbox from a web browser or app.

How Coronavirus Is Affecting Mail Delivery

As of this writing, the virus continues to disrupt mail service in the U.S. Virtual mailboxes are a viable option for anyone looking to limit outside contact and reduce Coronavirus exposure.

Can You Catch COVID-19 From Mail?

One of the main reasons people remain wary of handling mail and packages is the possibility the virus could live on surfaces. While the facts are still being researched on how long the virus could live on mail or packaging, there are some best practices you should follow.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while coronavirus "can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging." 

Although the likelihood of getting the virus from your mail is small, the CDC still recommends practicing caution when accepting or collecting your mail by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol
• Disinfect visibly dirty surfaces of your mail
• Avoid touching your face before, during, and after handling mail

Are Post Offices Still Open During the Pandemic?

According to the United States Postal Service, "The Postal Service is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and continues to follow strategies and measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health departments."

For most post office locations, this has meant staying open during the pandemic. However, local hours of operation may have been impacted. Check usps.com for more details regarding your local branch. 

Is My Mail Still Being Delivered During Quarantine?

While delivery has continued in most places, it has not done so wholly unaffected. Reports of delayed packages and distribution have been common throughout the pandemic, and with more people relying on mail delivery for essentials, delays are likely to continue.

5 Ways a Virtual Mailbox Can Help During a Pandemic 

While there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding mail and COVID-19, the mail is still an absolute necessity for many. From receiving social security payments and business checks to ordering life-saving medications and supplies, Americans need their mail now more than ever. 

However, COVID-19 has given people pause before handling their mail. If you are looking for a way to receive your mail without ever needing to touch it, a virtual mailbox may be your best bet. Below are five ways a virtual mailbox can help keep you safe and limit exposure during the Coronavirus pandemic.

1. Receive Mail Even When You Are Away 

Nearly 22% of Americans have moved because of COVID-19, and almost 57% of employees now have the option to work from home. With so many leaving their home or office, it may be difficult to have someone reliably available to receive important packages and letters. 

A virtual mailbox allows anyone to receive their mail uninterrupted at a professionally staffed location that can receive mail from any carrier. This means your home or business can keep getting its mail even if you are on the go, at the hospital, or living or working at a new location.

2. Forward Mail & Packages to Remote Employees' Homes

For companies with remote workers, employers can forward mail to any domestic and international location, ensuring every piece of mail gets in the right hands quickly and reliably. Virtual mailboxes may also provide signature services, so you can always receive your package, review it, and decide where it needs to go next. 

4. Avoid the Post Office

One of the best features of a virtual mailbox during a pandemic is avoiding trips to the Post Office. While USPS, like other businesses, is doing its best to ensure customer safety, viewing your mail safely online from the comfort of your home can be invaluable when you are quarantined or living with at-risk individuals.

3. Limit Exposure Risk With Touchless Mail Scans

Virtual mailboxes allow you to view your mail online. When mail is received at a virtual mailbox, it is tagged and scanned on the outside. You can review this scan instantly and decide what's best to do with it. 

You can ask your virtual mailbox provider to shred it, forward it to a new address, or open the letter and scan it, allowing you to read it online. Whatever you choose, it helps avoid unnecessary handling of mail and limits the potential spread of the virus at your home or office.

5. Deposit Checks From Home

Some virtual mailboxes also offer a check depositing service. This will save you a trip to the bank if you receive payments and checks in the mail. Check with your virtual mailbox provider to see if they offer this service and whether it is included with your monthly or annual fee. Typically checks can be deposited in any U.S.-based bank account in a few days or less.

Stay Protected With a Virtual Mailbox From SnapMailbox

If you are looking to limit your potential exposure to COVID-19 with a virtual mailbox, SnapMailbox can help. We were founded to make virtual mailboxes easy and affordable. We offer plans with unlimited mail receiving and shredding and can even help you deposit your monthly checks. Give us a try today, and you can take advantage of our 30-day risk-free trial.