Retailers and grocery stores are afraid of resurgence of pre-pandemic mask wars as Texas and other states begin to reduce coronavirus restrictions.
National chains that have COVID-19 rules for employees and customers are concerned about the confusion and conflict that is likely to occur, as some states raise mask mandates for indoor spaces, but stores keep them in place.
Industry groups and major companies with operations in Texas already say they plan to follow their own coronavirus mitigation measures and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, regardless of statewide changes.
“Relaxing common sense non-intrusive security protocols, such as wearing masks, is a mistake,” said Jason Brewer, executive vice president of communications and state affairs for the Retail Industry Leaders Association. “Going back on safety measures will cause retail employees to unfairly return to the role of enforcing the guidelines still recommended by the CDC and other public health advocates.”
In response to states lifting mask mandates, the National Retail Federation (NRF) stressed that companies have the right to establish and enforce their own policies.
“Retail stores are private entities. If you are asked to wear a mask in their stores and decide not to, this store may deny admission or service, ”said Bill Thorne, senior vice president of communications and public affairs for the NRF.
CVS and Target Corp. they are the ones who say masks are still needed for customers and employees across the country. Target said it does not plan to abandon such requirements, even as vaccine distributions increase.
“Those who have been vaccinated against coronavirus still need to wear a mask and follow all guidelines for social distancing, in accordance with current CDC guidelines,” a Target spokesman said.
Public health officials have warned that vaccine recipients may be asymptomatic and transmit COVID-19 to others. For this reason, experts recommend wearing a mask after getting vaccinated and continuing with other protocols such as physical distancing and frequent hand washing.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) underscored personal responsibility when they announced this week that they are lifting certain coronavirus restrictions. President Biden
Joe Biden: The West needs a more collaborative approach with Taiwan Abbott’s medical advisors, not all of whom were consulted before he lifted the Texas mask mandate. The House approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act MORE on Wednesday the decisions erupted, saying “the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking” and stressed the importance of masks.
State announcements came after the CDC director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle WalenskyRetailers fear return of mask wars Overnight healthcare: Biden says US will have enough vaccine for all adults in late May | Biden calls on all states to vaccinate teachers in late March Texas, Mississippi, the mandate of the lifting mask The governor of Texas lifts the mandate of the state mask, other restrictions he expressed concern about states lifting restrictions at this stage of the pandemic, as more variants of COVID-19 spread across the country.
The CDC expanded its recommendation on masks last month, updating its guidelines to take into account that double masking or the use of a well-fitting surgical mask can help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Not all national chains use CDC guidelines to set their policies.
Grocery store Kroger has said it will continue to need masks in its stores, but that it bases the policy on vaccination efforts.
“The Kroger family of companies will continue to require all of our stores across the country to wear masks until all of our top grocery partners can receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said a spokesman, who added that the company offers $ 100 cash payments to employees who receive the vaccine.
The Texas and Mississippi Pass also comes as a result of renewed efforts by the business community to promote the mask suit, along with other mitigation steps.
The Business Roundtable, which advocates advocates for top executives from various sectors, including many consumers, on Friday launched a campaign calling on leading U.S. employers to increase engagement with employees, suppliers and customers for greater use of masks and vaccine distribution.
“Through this effort, leading U.S. business owners are stepping up and leveraging our resources to help ensure successful vaccination across the country,” Walmart chief executive said in a statement last week. , Doug McMillon, President of BRT.
Industry groups warn that lowering mask standards at the state level also runs the risk of creating challenges for vaccine distribution.
Mask lift warrants “could also jeopardize the safety of pharmacies and grocery stores that are being prepared as vaccination centers to administer millions of shots in the coming months,” Brewer said Wednesday.
“Great strides have been made in recent weeks … and President Biden’s announcement yesterday that all adults will have access to a vaccine in late May is great news. We must not jeopardize this progress with a celebration premature victory “.