Retailers and grocery stores fear a resurgence from the mask wars earlier in the pandemic as Texas and other states begin to roll back coronavirus restrictions.
National chains that have COVID-19 rules for both employees and customers are concerned about the confusion and conflict that is likely to arise, as some states are lifting indoor mask mandates but stores are keeping them in place.
Industry groups and large companies with operations in Texas are already saying they plan to adhere to their own coronavirus control measures and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regardless of changes at the state level.
“Relaxing common sense, non-intrusive safety protocols, such as wearing masks, is a mistake,” said Jason Brewer, executive vice president of communications and affairs of state at the Retail Industry Leaders Association. “Going back to safety precautions will unfairly return store associates to the role of enforcing guidelines still recommended by the CDC and other public health advocates.”
In response to states’ lifting of mask mandates, the National Retail Federation (NRF) stressed that companies have the right to set and enforce their own policies.
“Shops are private entities. If they require you to wear a mask in their stores, and you choose not to, that store can deny access or service, ”said Bill Thorne, NRF’s senior vice president of communications and public affairs.
CVS and Target Corp. are some of those who say masks are still needed for customers and employees across the country. Target said it has no plans to drop those kinds of requirements, even as vaccine distribution increases.
“Those vaccinated against the coronavirus must still wear a mask and follow all social distance guidelines, in line with current CDC guidelines,” said a Target spokesperson.
Public health officials have warned that vaccine recipients may still be asymptomatic and pass COVID-19 on to others. For that reason, experts recommend wearing a mask after being vaccinated and continuing with other protocols, such as physical distance and frequent hand washing.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) emphasized personal responsibility when they announced this week that they were lifting certain restrictions on the coronavirus. President Biden
Joe Biden The West needs a more concerted approach to Taiwan Abbott’s medical advisers weren’t all consulted before lifting Texas mask mandate House Approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act MORE Wednesday overturned the decisions, saying “the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking” and stressing the importance of masks.
The state announcements came after CDC director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle WalenskyRetailers Fear a Return of the Mask Wars Overnight Health Care: Biden Says US Will Have Enough Vaccine for All Adults by Late May | Biden calls on all states to vaccinate teachers by the end of March | Texas, Mississippi Lift Mask Mandates Texas Governor Lifts State Mask Mandate, Other COVID-19 Restrictions MORE 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 for masks last month and updated its guidelines to note that double masking or wearing a tight-fitting surgical mask can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Not all national chains use CDC guidelines to determine their policy.
Grocery store Kroger has said it will continue to need masks in its stores, but it bases its policy on vaccination efforts.
“The Kroger group of companies will continue to require everyone in our stores across the country to wear masks until all of our front-line grocery workers can receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said a spokesman, adding that the company will make $ 100 cash payments to it. employees. who receive the vaccine.
The move through Texas and Mississippi also comes after a renewed corporate effort to promote the wearing of masks, along with other measures to mitigate the fallout.
The Business Roundtable, which advocates for top CEOs in a variety of industries, including many consumer-focused, launched a campaign on Friday calling on America’s top employers to step up engagement with employees, suppliers and customers for long-term mask wearing and distribution of vaccines.
“Through this effort, America’s leading employers are strengthening our resources to help ensure successful vaccination across the country,” Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, the chairman of BRT, said in a statement last week.
Rolling back state-level mask rules also risks creating challenges for vaccine distribution, industry groups warn.
The lifting of mask mandates “could also jeopardize the safety of pharmacies and grocers preparing as vaccination centers to administer millions of injections in the coming months,” Brewer said Wednesday.
“ Tremendous strides have been made 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 must not jeopardize this progress with a premature celebration of victory. “