Retailers and grocery stores fear the resurgence of masked wars since the beginning of the pandemic, as Texas and other states begin to reduce coronavirus restrictions.
National chains that have COVID-19 rules in place for both employees and customers are concerned about the confusion and conflict that could arise, as some states lift mask warrants for indoor spaces, but stores keep them in place. .
Major industrial groups and companies operating in Texas already say they intend to follow their own coronavirus mitigation measures and guidelines 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 of communications and state affairs at the Association of Retail Industry Leaders. “Going back on safety measures will unfairly put retail employees back in the role of implementing the guidelines still recommended by the CDC and other public health advocates.
In response to states lifting lifting mandates, the National Retail Federation (NRF) stressed that businesses have the right to establish and implement their own policies.
“Retail stores are private entities. If they ask you to wear a mask in their stores and you choose not to, that store may refuse admission or service, ”said Bill Thorne, senior vice president of communications and public affairs at NRF.
CVS and Target Corp. are among those who say masks are still needed for customers and employees nationwide. Target said it does not intend to waive these types of requirements, even if vaccine distributions increase.
“Those who have been vaccinated for coronavirus are still required to wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines, in accordance with current CDC guidelines,” a spokesman for the target said.
Public health officials have warned that vaccine recipients may continue to be asymptomatic and may transmit COVID-19 to others. For this reason, experts recommend wearing a mask after vaccination and continuing with other protocols, such as physical distancing and frequent hand washing.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) 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 Taiwanese medical advisers Abbott, not all were consulted before he lifts his Texas Mask mandate approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act MORE Wednesday exploded decisions, saying “the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking” and stressing the importance of masks.
The state announcements came after the CDC director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle Walensky Retailers fear mask war returns Overnight 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 the end of March Texas, Mississippi, mask to lift the mandates of the governor of Texas lifts the mandate of the state mask, other restrictions COVID-19 MORE He expressed concern about the lifting of restrictions at this stage of the pandemic, as several variants of COVID-19 are spreading across the country.
The CDC expanded its recommendation on masks last month, updating its guide to note that double masking or wearing a well-fitted surgical mask can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Not all chains at the national level use CDC guidance to set their policies.
The Kroger grocery store said it will continue to require masks in its stores, but bases the policy on vaccination efforts.
“The Kroger family will continue to require everyone in our stores across the country to wear masks until all of our front-line food associates can receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” a spokesman said, adding that the company offers payments in $ 100 cash to employees receiving the vaccine.
The Texas and Mississippi movement also comes as a result of a renewed effort by the business community to promote the wearing of masks, along with other mitigation steps.
The business roundtable, which advocates for top executives in a variety of industries, including many for consumers, launched a campaign on Friday urging U.S. employers to step up engagement with employees, suppliers and customers for extensive mask clothing, as well as distribution. vaccines.
“Through this effort, major U.S. employers are stepping up and leveraging our resources to ensure successful vaccination across the country,” BRT President Doug McMillon, president of BRT, said in a statement last week.
Scaling the mask rules back to the state level also risks creating challenges for vaccine distribution, industry groups warn.
The mask-lifting mandates “could also jeopardize the safety of pharmacies and grocery stores that are preparing as vaccination centers to manage millions of fires in the coming months,” Brewer said Wednesday.
“Extraordinary steps have been taken in recent weeks … and President Biden’s announcement yesterday that every adult will have access to a vaccine by the end of May is great news. We should not jeopardize this progress through a premature celebration of victory. “