04/24/2020
Governor Whitmer’s latest order extends the stay-home requirement for non-essential work or travel through May 15. It opens up some previously restricted business and recreation options provided we still observe 6’ social distancing. It also requires shoppers to wear a non-medical grade face mask (please keep medical supplies available for medical workers) when in public spaces like grocery stores.
As an essential worker who’s been showing up to work at a grocery store every day during this pandemic, I truly appreciate this requirement. Our store has phased in face mask requirements, following the guidance of our state and local leaders and their coordinating agencies. Early on, we were provided optional masks. Very quickly we required workers who were in close contact with shoppers and those working with ready to eat foods to wear a mask. Now our entire staff is required to wear face masks, there are plastic barriers for cashiers and baggers, floors are marked for 6 foot distancing, buggies are sanitized at the door, a company comes in off hours to apply a food grade sanitizing agent approved to kill coronavirus, our self serve/samples/cafe options have closed while we’ve stepped up curbside and delivery options. We’re doing quite a lot to make essential food purchasing as safe as possible.
What we have limited control over is shoppers’ personal choices. Currently 99% of our shoppers wear some kind of face mask voluntarily. Some have asked why we don’t require all shoppers to wear a face mask. We follow the guidance and requirements of our elected officials, so now we have the backing of our State leaders to mandate face masks for everyone’s safety. (The Governor did clarify that there is no criminal punishment for mask non-compliance.)
Shoppers regularly thank us for staying open and serving the public, but the best thank you that you can give an essential worker is observing social distancing, washing your hands, minding your coughs and sneezes, and wearing a face mask. I wear my face mask every day (multiple fabric masks that I can machine wash every shift). My mask protects you. Your mask protects me.
Thank you all for protecting essential workers by keeping us safe and healthy.
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/04/24/michigan-residents-now-required-to-wear-masks-in-public-places-under-revised-stay-at-home-order/
