JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With positive cases of COVID-19 on the rise in Florida, more retailers are requiring customers to wear masks while shopping.
Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.
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They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers. Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video.
This list will be updated as retailers announce policies.
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“Face coverings will be required for all of our teams and customers, and we will provide them to customers who don’t bring their own.”
Athleta / Banana Republic / Gap / Old Navy
“...we want to do everything we can to help stop the spread of the virus. That’s why we are adjusting our current policy and requiring all customers to wear masks.” New requirement will start Aug. 1.
“We will provide a face covering if a customer doesn’t have one, and small children and those unable to wear one for health reasons may enter without one,” the company’s statement read. “Any customer who has a concern about wearing a mask will be able to shop Best Buy via our website and app and choose home delivery or contactless curbside pickup, which remains in place at all our stores.”
“To protect our members and employees, all Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times while at Costco. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.”
“In accordance with guidelines from the CDC, we are requiring all Associates, customers, and vendors to wear cloth face coverings when inside our stores.”
“With the number of coronavirus cases continuing to grow and current CDC guidance indicating face coverings can help slow the spread of COVID-19, we believe requiring face coverings in our stores is another way we can do our part to help protect our communities.”
“Your health and safety are our first priority. Starting July 20, we’ll be taking an additional step to protect all our members and associates—requiring everyone entering our clubs to wear a face covering.”
Southeastern Grocers (Winn Dixie)
“The majority of our stores are under either a local or state government mandate, and given the continued rise of positive COVID cases in our communities across the Southeast, beginning Monday, July 27, we will be requiring masks to be worn by customers to help reduce the spread of the disease.”
“Beginning on July 15, it will be requiring customers to wear facial coverings while visiting all company-owned café locations in the US.”
“At Target, we’re committed to helping the families and communities we serve in good times and bad. We’ve already taken a number of steps in support of our team and guests, with increased safety measures and operational changes. And, we’ll continue to do all we can to help navigate these uncertain times.” Begins Aug. 1.
“We request all customers wear a face covering while shopping in our stores.”
“For the safety of our customers and employees, we require customers to wear cloth face coverings when visiting our stores,” Verizon’s policy says.
“We are requesting that all customers wear masks while shopping in our stores to protect the health and safety of our team members and communities. Whole Foods Market will be providing face masks at the entrance of all stores for customers who do not have their own face covering. Stores will continue to follow local ordinances regarding personal protective equipment.”
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According to a report by CNN Business, CVS, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walgreens, Walmart and others won’t prohibit customers who refuse to wear a mask from shopping.