Letter carrier refusing to wear mask is causing important mail for seniors to be delayed

SAN ANTONIO - A postal worker's alleged refusal to deliver mail is putting disabled and elderly tenants in a tough spot.

The property requires all delivery workers to wear masks and have their temperature taken.

Because the mailman refuses to comply, renters there say their important medication, letters, and packages have been delayed.

"I want my mail delivered and I also want to be safe from COVID-19," said long-time tenant James Hamilton.

To help keep people safe, the San Antonio Housing Authority wants letter carriers to wear masks when delivering mail at Lewis Chatham Apartments.

The Southside mid-rise is full of elderly and disabled tenants. Some of whom are waiting on medications, medical supplies and monthly checks to be delivered to live and fulfill their financial responsibilities.

"They're not being met because the mail is being delayed," said Hamilton.

James Hamilton says several letter carriers have been turned away for not wearing masks.

They say their mail is being returned to the post office for pick-up.

"We got people who are elderly 60, 70, 80 years old,” Hamilton said. “They don't have the strength to go down the street. We got people in wheel chairs and people who are blind as well."

We reached out to the US Postal Service.

A spokeswoman says the USPS apologizes for the inconvenience and respects measures taken to protect residents.

In a statement Becky Hernandez said, "We cannot permit our letter carriers to comply with any requests to submit to screenings, including questionnaires or temperature checks prior to delivering mail."

Hamilton said, "His policy shouldn't endanger the rest of us."

The US Postal Service is now working with SAHA to identify alternative delivery methods for high risk residents during the pandemic.