WASHINGTON — The death of former President Jimmy Carter is being marked by a national day of mourning, meaning that several common services across the U.S., including the post office and stock markets, will be closed for the day.
Why are things closed on Jan. 9?
Former President Jimmy Carter died at the end of December at the age of 100. As part of his funeral services, he is set to have a state funeral Thursday, Jan. 9 after lying in state for two days at the U.S. Capitol.
President Joe Biden declared Jan. 9 as a national day of mourning to honor Carter. Biden is set to give a eulogy at the funeral as well, and all five living presidents are set to attend.
Will the post office be closed on Jan. 9?
Because the U.S. Post Office is a federal agency, it will be closed all day on Jan. 9. No mail will be delivered and post office locations around the country will be closed.
Will banks be open on Jan. 9?
Banks and their branch offices will be closed in observation of the national day of mourning. Banks follow the federal holiday schedule, meaning that when the federal government’s non-essential offices are closed, bank branches will also close.
Online banking services such as checking account balances or transferring money will be unaffected by the closure.
FedEx and UPS will remain operational on Jan. 9
FedEx and UPS are private companies, and will not be closed for the national day of mourning on Jan. 9. All package delivery through those services should happen on time.
Will federal offices be closed on Thursday?
A national day of mourning isn’t a federal holiday, but it does still mean that federal offices will be closed, according to the White House. Some federal workers, such as those in the military, are exempt from the national day of mourning and will still report to work.
Why is the stock market closed on Jan. 9?
The New York Stock Exchange follows the schedule of the federal government, meaning it is closed when federal offices close. Because those offices are closed for the national day of mourning, the stock market will also be down Thursday.
All trading will be suspended until the market opens Friday morning.
However, bond trading will still be in effect from market open through 2 p.m. Eastern, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Are schools closed on Jan. 9?
Schools and colleges across the country are not affected by the national day of mourning, meaning they are likely to remain open and classes will likely happen as usual. School districts and colleges are able to determine their own schedules, so some may choose to close for the national day of mourning.
Check with your local school district for more information.