(WISH) – Kroger announced Wednesday that it will require customers to wear a mask inside stores beginning July 22.
The retailer made the announcement online Wednesday afternoon.
“With the increase in # COVID19 cases across the country, we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus,” said the retailer. tweeted online. “Beginning July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask, joining our associates who continue to wear masks.”
“As an employer, food supplier and community partner, we have a responsibility to help keep our associates, customers and communities safe. According to the CDC, the use of a facial covering, combined with social distancing and frequent hand washing, has been scientifically shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask when shopping at our stores, joining our associates who continue to wear masks. We are taking this additional step now because we recognize that additional precautions are needed to protect our country, ”a Kroger spokesperson said in a press release to the news 8.
Kroger is also encouraging customers who are unable to wear a mask due to medical reasons to use an alternative option, such as a face shield. If customers are unable to use a cover, they are encouraged to use Kroger’s pickup or delivery options.
Walmart will also require customers to wear masks in total, there are 9,000 US stores owned by the company.