November 6, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Public Relations (202) 268-2155 USPS Web Site: http://www.usps.com # 084 STATEMENT BY AZEEZALY JAFFER VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS TEMPORARY POST OFFICE CLOSURES WASHINGTON - The Postal Service learned late Thursday afternoon that a preliminary test of a routine air sample taken Wednesday at the Naval Consolidated Mail Facility in Anacostia was positive for anthrax. More samples are being taken at the facility this evening for additional testing. The safety of our employees and customers is the Postal Service's highest priority. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the Postal Service has decided to close and test facilities for biohazard contamination. Most of this mail moving through the Navy's facility was processed through the Postal Service's V Street facility that processes Government mail. The contractor that transported this mail also collected mail from other Washington, DC area facilities. Customers who are serviced by these facilities could expect minimal delays in mail delivery. The Postal Service will resume normal operations at these affected locations as soon as possible. Employees working at these locations are asked to report to duty at their normal times. They will be directed to alternate work locations. V Street Facility 3070 V Street NE Washington DC 20098-9998 Southwest Post Office 45 L Street SW Washington DC 20024-9998 Ward Place Post Office 2121 Ward Place NW Washington DC 20037-9998 Friendship Station Post Office 4005 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington DC 20016-9998 U.S. Post Office Andrews AFB 1668 D Street Andrews AFB MD 20762-9998 U.S. Post Office Silver Spring 8616 2nd Avenue Silver Spring MD 20910-9998 Calvert Distribution Center 6511 Baltimore Avenue Hyattsville MD 20783-9998 Westlake Post Office 10421 Motor City Drive Bethesda MD 20817-9998 South Station Post Office 1210 South Glebe Road Arlington VA 22204-9998 Eads Street Station 1720 S Eads Street Arlington VA 22202-9998 Buckingham Station 235 N Glebe Road Arlington VA 22203-9998 ###