The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Setting aside hours for at-risk individuals not likely
[ by Mark Reaman ]
The Crested Butte postmaster has given the Town Council a response to its letter of concern of overcrowding and the potential of spreading the coronavirus, saying some actions can be taken to help mitigate exposure to COVID-19 in the facility, and others can’t.
Postmaster Michael Nooney told the council in an email he has put up another sign asking that any lines be formed outside and not inside. He said he would love an air filtration machine for the area where the post office boxes are located, but he can’t set aside a specific time for at-risk people to get their packages.
Council had sent him a letter of concern signed by mayor Jim Schmidt on December 22 stating, “The Town Council is disturbed to see the long lines forming indoors in close quarters during these cold winter days as citizens attempt to pick up or mail parcels or simply check their boxes. Town Council and I are greatly concerned with the potential spread of COVID-19 under these conditions.”
The council suggested three actions. The first was to place a sign visible to patrons to form the waiting line outdoors. There have been several times when dozens of people formed a winding line inside.
The second request was to place an air filtration system in the public area. “For several months now, Gunnison County has been offering free air filtration systems to businesses in the valley. Placement of these units in the lobby as well as the public postal box area would help circulate and filter the air in these confined spaces,” the council said.
And third, the council requested window times specifically for at-risk people. “Please create a half-hour-long period each day when people considered at-risk for increased complications from COVID can safely visit the post office lobby. Many grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential services have taken this step, which is so critical at this time for our seniors and others at greater risk for complications,” they said.
Nooney sent an email back to Schmidt on December 26 explaining what he could and couldn’t do with their requests. He said he would “put up another sign on the outside doors directing people to line up outside.” As for air filtration machines, Nooney said he would be happy to “take any air filtration machine available. The box section is not heated but there is electricity.”
Crested Butte town manager Dara MacDonald said she would find at least two air filtration units that the post office could utilize. They were placed in the post office lobby on Monday, December 28.
As for the set-aside of hours for the elderly or those with underlying conditions who might be more susceptible to the coronavirus, Nooney told the council that is not on the horizon.
“This is something that is not within my authority to implement,” he explained in his email. “I do understand that private enterprises have certain hours for high-risk people. At this time I have not heard of any post office in the country doing this.”
Some council members expressed disappointment in that response but appreciated the measures that were taken.
Nooney did not respond to an email from the Crested Butte News asking for more clarification and details, and said in person at the post office on Tuesday that he is not at liberty to speak with the media unless he goes through the state, regional and/or federal communications channels first. Nooney said he cannot spare the time to make that effort, but in general thinks the post office is running smoothly during this busy holiday season.
