Some of the largest retailers in the US have instituted mandatory mask policies in the past two weeks to combat the spread of COVID-19, including Walmart. The Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs of some of the largest corporations in the United States, called on companies to demand masking mandates for retail and restaurant customers. However, a week later, many companies are withdrawing their mask mandates following several highly publicized incidents focused on the use of face covers.
Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, Lowe’s and other retailers across the country said they would serve customers even if they violate the mask mandates, according to CNN. The change in policy is to avoid confrontations between customers and employees.
Companies want to avoid negative publicity and potential violence stemming from customers who refuse to wear masks in stores. This comes after multiple events in which customers were enraged, including an instance in which a man brandished a weapon at a Walmart employee due to the mask’s mandate.
A Florida man threatened to kill a shopping partner at Walmart in Royal Palm Beach on July 12. The man, Vincent Bruce Scavetta, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and inappropriate display of a firearm, according to Palm Beach. County Sheriff’s Office.
Earlier this month, two women confronted a man in a store because he was not wearing a face mask. A woman destroyed a Target store in Arizona due to the mask mandate. A Texas woman was angry that a 7-Eleven convenience store required face covers, so she spat all over the counter.
An incident of a Florida unmasked man colliding with a Walmart employee in Orlando went viral in June. In May, there was a tense encounter between a man who refused to wear a mask and a Costco worker. Two California men were caught on video attacking a Target security guard because he told them to wear a mask.
A Walmart training video recommends that its employees deal with anti-masking customers by allowing them to “continue shopping” and avoid any physical altercations.
“With each requirement, exceptions have been put in place to avoid escalating the situation and putting our associates at risk,” a Walmart representative told CNN. “Our goal is to prevent associates from physically confronting each other in stores.”
“We will not ask our associates to put their safety at risk by confronting customers for wearing masks,” said a Lowe’s spokesperson.
Home Depot said its mask policy is like the company’s shoplifting policy, and that no employee should be put in danger. “It is too dangerous to deny entry physically or by force,” said a spokesman for the home improvement company.
“In case of default [the store] It will streamline your transaction and provide you with other options for your future needs, “such as delivery and shipping, CVS said.
On Friday, McDonald’s announced that starting August 1, everyone should wear a face mask when visiting any of its restaurants.
“[I]In order to protect the safety of our employees and customers, we will ask all customers to put on facial covers when they enter our US restaurants beginning August 1, “McDonald’s said in the press release. ” While almost 82% of our restaurants are in states or locations that require facial coatings for both crew and customers today, it is important to protect the safety of all employees and customers. “
McDonald’s added that employees would receive “downscaling training” to deal with customers who refuse to wear masks. The fast food giant said it plans to “take care” of customers who refuse to wear masks in a “friendly and expeditious manner.”
You can see a list of stores that have mandatory mask policies here.
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