Publix to require masks in stores starting July 21

Jennifer Sangalang
Naples Daily NewsPublished 3:37 PM EDT Jul 16, 2020No shoes, no shirt, no mask, no service?Publix will require customers to wear masks in all of its stores effective July 21.“With the number of coronavirus cases continuing to grow and current CDC guidance indicating face coverings can help slow the spread of COVID-19, we believe requiring face coverings in our stores is another way we can do our part to help protect our communities,” Maria Brous, Publix director of communications, said in a news release.To help remind customers about the new policy, the stores will have signs posted at entrances and make intercom announcements. The Publix news release states the mask requirement does not apply to young children and those with medical conditions who cannot wear a face mask. Publix delivery or curbside pickup remain options.See the full list: Which retailers require face masks?More policy changes: Target, CVS, Walgreens to also require masks at stores nationwideThe announcement from Publix follows a similar mandate made by Walmart and Sam’s Club. Customers shopping at Walmart stores nationwide will have to wear a mask starting July 20.The Publix mask mandate follows a series of changes the Florida-based grocery chain has made in lieu of the coronavirus pandemic:• In mid-March, Publix introduced early morning shopping hours for senior citizens. The chain reverted back to normal operating hours on May 16, the day Publix required employees to wear masks in all of its stores.• In the beginning of the pandemic, Publix also closed two hours early to allow more time for cleaning.• The store implemented one-way aisles and signs to encourage social distancing.• Plexiglass shields were erected to protect cashiers and customers through check-out at registers, pharmacies and customer service.• Store managers were given the option to limit the number of customers inside stores.On Thursday, Florida reported its second-highest single-day spike in cases (13,965), for a total of 315,775 cases since the pandemic began. Thursday also marked the 23rd consecutive day the state reported more than 5,000 cases.


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