CORONAVIRUS
Smith’s Announces Mask Requirements For All Customers
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kroger announced masks will be required for customers in all store locations beginning July 22.
The policy will include Smith’s Food & Grocery and Food4Less stores, among others.
The report came shortly after Walmart announced it, too, would be requiring face coverings for all customers. Walmart’s policy goes into place July 20.
With the increase in #COVID19 cases across the country, we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask, joining our associates who continue to wear masks. pic.twitter.com/r9WPD3QNFa
— Kroger News (@KrogerNews) July 15, 2020
“As an employer, grocery provider and community partner, we have a responsibility to help keep our associates, customers and communities safe,” according to a statement from Kroger. “According to the CDC, wearing a facial covering, combined with social distancing and frequent handwashing, has been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask when shopping in our stores, joining our associates who continue to wear masks.”
The statement goes on to say that Kroger is taking this step now “because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country.”
The company acknowledged that some customers may not be able to wear masks due to medical reasons, and those customers are asked to consider an alternative option such as a face shield or facial covering.
“If they’re unable to wear a mask or an alternative design, we request that they use our ecommerce services like pickup or delivery,” according to the statement. “To support all households during the COVID-19 pandemic, our grocery pickup service remains free.”
Small children are exempt from the mask requirement.
A growing number of retail stores have announced that customers and employees alike will be required to cover their faces inside the locations, including Starbucks, Harmons, and Costco.
