Retailers and supermarkets fear the resurgence of the mask war that erupted at the beginning of the pandemic, as Texas and other states begin to reduce restrictions on the coronavirus.
National chains that have COVID-19 rules in place for employees and customers are concerned about the confusion and conflict that is likely to occur, as some states suspend mask requirements for indoor spaces, but stores keep them in place.
Industry groups and large companies with operations in Texas are already saying that they plan to maintain their own coronavirus mitigation measures and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regardless of changes at the state level.
“Relaxing non-intrusive and common sense security protocols, such as wearing masks, is a mistake,” said Jason Brewer, executive vice president for communications and state affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association. “Going back on security measures will unfairly put retail employees back into the role of enforcing the guidelines still recommended by the CDC and other public health advocates.”
In response to mandates from states that lift the masks, the National Retail Federation (NRF) emphasized that companies have the right to establish and apply their own policies.
“Retail stores are private entities. If they require you to wear a mask in their stores, and you choose not to, they may refuse admission or service, ”said Bill Thorne, senior vice president of communications and public relations at NRF.
CVS and Target Corp. they are among those who claim that masks are still needed by customers and employees across the country. Target said it does not plan to rule out these types of requirements, even as vaccine distribution increases.
“Those who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus still need to wear a mask and follow all the guidelines for social distance, according to the current CDC guidelines,” said a spokesman for Target.
Public health officials have warned that recipients of the vaccine may still be asymptomatic and transmit COVID-19 to others. For this reason, experts recommend the use of a mask after vaccination and the continuation of other protocols, such as physical distance and frequent hand washing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves (R) emphasized personal responsibility in announcing this week that they are lifting certain restrictions on the coronavirus. President biden
Joe BidenThe West needs a more collaborative approach with Taiwan. Abbott’s medical consultants were not all consulted before he removed the mandate from the Texas mask. House approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act MORE on Wednesday he criticized the decisions, saying that “the last thing we need is neanderthal thinking” and emphasizing the importance of masks.
State announcements came after the Director of the CDC Rochelle WalenskyRochelle Walensky retailers fear the return of mask wars Night care: Biden says the US will have enough vaccine for all adults by the end of May | Biden asks all states to vaccinate teachers by the end of March | Texas, Mississippi sends elevation mask Texas Governor suspends state mask mandate, other restrictions COVID-19 MORE expressed concern about states removing restrictions at this stage of the pandemic, as more variants of COVID-19 spread across the country.
The CDC extended its mask recommendation last month, updating its guidelines to note that double-masking or wearing a tight-fitting surgical mask can help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Not all national networks are using CDC guidance to define their policies.
The Kroger grocery store said it will continue to require masks in its stores, but is basing the policy on vaccination efforts.
“The Kroger Family of Companies will continue to demand that everyone in our stores across the country wear masks until all of our supermarket frontline associates can receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said a spokesman, adding that company is offering $ 100 in cash payments to employees who receive the vaccine.
The move from Texas and Mississippi also comes in the wake of a renewed effort by the business community to promote the use of masks, along with other mitigation steps.
The Business Roundtable, which defends top CEOs in a variety of industries, including many consumer-oriented, launched a campaign on Friday asking America’s top employers to increase engagement with employees, suppliers and customers for extended mask use as well. as vaccine distribution.
“Through this effort, America’s top employers are stepping up and leveraging our resources to help ensure successful vaccinations across the country,” said Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, president of BRT, in a statement this week last.
Reducing masking rules at the state level also risks creating challenges for the distribution of vaccines, warn industry groups.
Mask-lifting mandates “may also jeopardize the safety of pharmacies and grocery stores that are preparing themselves as vaccination centers to administer millions of vaccines in the coming months,” said Brewer on Wednesday.
“Great strides have been made in the past few weeks … and President Biden’s announcement yesterday that all adults will have access to a vaccine by the end of May is great news. We must not compromise this progress with an early celebration of victory. “