Longo’s supermarkets now require customers to wear face masks during COVID-19
- Michael Kras
- 05 May 2020
In a move to enhance the safety of both customers and frontline employees during COVID-19, Canadian supermarket chain Longo’s, with locations in Hamilton and the GTA, has announced that it will now require all customers and staff to wear a face mask or covering while in their stores as of this past Monday May 4th.
Previously, it was only staff at Longo’s who were required to wear masks, and the customers in-store who opted to wear them were doing so voluntarily.
While the new mandate wasn’t without its share of criticism from customers who resent being ordered to wear a mask, it represents a mindful health and safety measure as Longo’s – and almost any other grocery store like it – remains operational as a high-demand essential service during this global pandemic, with staff and customers putting themselves at risk each day in a public shared space.
As much as we want to see your smiles, as of May 4th we require Guests to wear a face mask or covering while in store. Please help do your part in keeping the community safe.
For a list of our updates, go to https://t.co/t36Ohs1wLb pic.twitter.com/It8ghZekRX— Longo's (@LongosMarkets) May 1, 2020
In a statement, Longo’s has asked all potential shoppers to bring a mask with them when they plan to shop at the store, adding that if anyone needs a mask or forgets to bring one, they can speak to a Longo’s employee at the store’s front entrance upon arrival.
This new rule comes on top of existing safety measures in Longo’s grocery stores, including limiting the number of customers in-store at one time, enhancing cleaning procedures, adding special shopping hours for seniors and vulnerable shoppers, and erecting protective plexiglass barriers at checkout registers.
It’s true that the information about face masks during COVID-19 has been relatively muddy, with people unsure of how, or even if, a face covering works to protect oneself or others against being exposed to the virus.
That said, health experts have strong encouraged people to wear face masks if they need to go out in public, saying that they can be effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19 if the mask wearer is potentially carrying the virus.
Since some reports indicate there could be as many as 50 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 who carry the virus asymptomatically, wearing a mask even if you don’t feel sick is a good means of limiting spread, and is also regarded as a visual indication of respect for the health and safety of others.
Comments 0
There are no comments
Add comment