Retailers and grocery stores fear the revival of the mask wars of earlier in the pandemic as Texas and other states begin to scale down coronavirus restrictions.
Nationwide chains that apply COVID-19 rules to both employees and customers are concerned about the confusion and conflict that is likely to arise as some states lift mask mandates for indoor spaces, but stores keep it in place.
Industry groups and large companies operating in Texas are already saying they intend to adhere to their own coronavirus mitigation measures and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), regardless of the changes at the state level.
“Relaxing, non-intrusive common sense security protocols, such as wearing masks, are a mistake,” said Jason Brewer, executive vice president of communications and government at the Retail Industry Leaders Association. “By deteriorating safety measures, retail workers will unfairly put themselves back in the role of applying guidelines that are still recommended by the CDC and other public health advocates.”
In response to states lifting mask mandates, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has emphasized that businesses have the right to formulate and apply their own policies.
“Retail stores are private entities. “If they expect you to wear a mask in their stores, and you prefer not to do so, that store may refuse access or service,” said Bill Thorne, NRF’s senior vice president of communications and public affairs.
CVS and Target Corp are among those who say masks are still needed nationwide. Target said it does not intend to drop such requirements, even as the spread of vaccinations increases.
“Those vaccinated against coronavirus should still wear a mask and follow all guidelines for social distance, in line with current CDC guidance,” a Target spokesman said.
Public health officials have warned that vaccines may still be asymptomatic and transmit COVID-19 to others. Therefore, experts recommend that you wear a mask after being vaccinated and continue with other protocols such as physical distance and regular hand washing.
The Government of Texas, Greg Abbott (R), and Tate Reeves, the Government of Mississippi, stressed 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 to Taiwan Abbott’s medical advisers were not all consulted before lifting the Texas mask mandate. House approved George Floyd Justice in Police Act. On Wednesday, the decisions exploded, saying ‘the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking’ and stressed the importance of masks.
The state announcements come to CDC director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle WalenskyRetailers fear mask wars return: Overnight health care: Biden says US will have enough vaccine for all adults by the end of May | Biden calls on all states to vaccinate teachers by end of March Texas, Mississippi lifts mask mandates Texas governor lifts state mask mandate, other COVID-19 restrictions MORE expressed concern about states lifting restrictions in the pandemic at this stage, as more variants of COVID-19 have spread across the country.
The CDC last month expanded its recommendation on masks and adjusted its guidelines to note that double masking or wearing a well-equipped surgical mask may reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Not all nationwide chains use CDC guidance to determine their policies.
Kruger Grocery Store Kroger said he would still need masks in his stores, but that the policy is based on vaccination efforts.
“The Kroger family businesses will continue to require everyone in our stores across the country to wear masks until all of our front-line groceries can receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” a spokesman said, adding that the company had $ 100 provide cash payments to employees. receiving the vaccine.
The move through Texas and Mississippi also comes on the heels of a new effort by the business community to promote the wearing of masks, along with other mitigating steps.
The Business Roundtable, which strives for top executives in various sectors, including many consumer-oriented businesses, launched a campaign on Friday calling on America’s leading employers to increase engagement with employees, suppliers and customers for greater promote mask wear as well as vaccine distribution.
“Through this effort, America’s leading employers are using their resources to ensure successful vaccination across the country,” Doum McMillon, CEO of BRT, Walmart’s CEO, said in a statement last week.
The downsizing of state-level mask rules also runs the risk of creating challenges for the distribution of vaccines, industry groups warn.
Mask removal orders “could also jeopardize the safety of pharmacies and groceries, which will prepare as vaccination centers in the coming months to deliver millions of shots,” Brewer said on Wednesday.
‘There has been tremendous progress in recent weeks … and President Biden’s announcement yesterday that every adult has access to a vaccine by the end of May is good news. We must not jeopardize this progress with a premature celebration of victory. ”