Coronavirus and wearing masks in stores

[klkla]

(not going to name names, but it is the county where some say the virus broke out... until the media started saying it was racist to call out the city where the virus came from)

The problem is that the virus probably didn't originate in Wuhan and likely has been mutating around for a couple years but was brought by someone to that marketplace where the first hot spot developed. The issue isn't racism. The issue is science, and as such it needs to be identified by what it is scientifically: Novel Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19).

In times of national emergency our country has to rely on our Commander in Chief. That is why our forefathers established our government as a federal republic. And that's why certain powers are granted to the Commander in Chief in situations like this. It took 71 days after the Chinese first informed us of this virus until our current chief executive started taking it serious, and even since then there is no national plan or strategy. All the effective actions taken so far have been by state governors that are having to fend for themselves for the most part because of the lack of a national strategy.

I pray for the tens of thousands of people that are going to needlessly die in the next couple weeks because of this lack of a national strategy.

[storewanderer]

(not going to name names, but it is the county where some say the virus broke out... until the media started saying it was racist to call out the city where the virus came from)

The problem is that the virus probably didn't originate in Wuhan and likely has been mutating around for a couple years but was brought by someone to that marketplace where the first hot spot developed. The issue isn't racism. The issue is science, and as such it needs to be identified by what it is scientifically: Novel Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19).

In times of national emergency our country has to rely on our Commander in Chief. That is why our forefathers established our government as a federal republic. And that's why certain powers are granted to the Commander in Chief in situations like this. It took 71 days after the Chinese first informed us of this virus until our current chief executive started taking it serious, and even since then there is no national plan or strategy. All the effective actions taken so far have been by state governors that are having to fend for themselves for the most part because of the lack of a national strategy.

I pray for the tens of thousands of people that are going to needlessly die in the next couple weeks because of this lack of a national strategy.

There are a lot of things not adding up about this whole situation and it is very much out of control in many ways including what you describe. But when China is the supplier for the mass quantity of critical items and there are few domestic producers, we are at their mercy to get things. If we were our own supplier for more critical items like this, we would be in a somewhat better position here. And that is what 4012 has been saying since before he assumed his position. Of course, he wasn't painting it in the picture of making us better prepared for a global pandemic, but it is the same general message. But the business people who love the cheap labor from overseas would not engage that idea very seriously and I don't think they will after this is all said and done either.

Maybe this time we will learn and in the future, society as a whole will start to demand we make more critical products than just foods in the US. I think medical equipment and drugs are pretty critical and with the inflated costs we pay for these things, we should be able to afford to make them here. Funny how there is legislation that requires for the grocery industry to put country of origin labeling on many food products yet medicines are curiously exempt from that labeling. We know where the can of corn comes from, but not a clue where that ibuprofen comes from. It seems to me if it goes in your mouth, it should be subject to the country of origin labeling. To bring this somewhat back to a retail topic.

My biggest fear at this point is they decide to "open things back up" too quickly and the thing then spikes like crazy.

[veteran+]

(not going to name names, but it is the county where some say the virus broke out... until the media started saying it was racist to call out the city where the virus came from)

The problem is that the virus probably didn't originate in Wuhan and likely has been mutating around for a couple years but was brought by someone to that marketplace where the first hot spot developed. The issue isn't racism. The issue is science, and as such it needs to be identified by what it is scientifically: Novel Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19).

In times of national emergency our country has to rely on our Commander in Chief. That is why our forefathers established our government as a federal republic. And that's why certain powers are granted to the Commander in Chief in situations like this. It took 71 days after the Chinese first informed us of this virus until our current chief executive started taking it serious, and even since then there is no national plan or strategy. All the effective actions taken so far have been by state governors that are having to fend for themselves for the most part because of the lack of a national strategy.

I pray for the tens of thousands of people that are going to needlessly die in the next couple weeks because of this lack of a national strategy.

There are a lot of things not adding up about this whole situation and it is very much out of control in many ways including what you describe. But when China is the supplier for the mass quantity of critical items and there are few domestic producers, we are at their mercy to get things. If we were our own supplier for more critical items like this, we would be in a somewhat better position here. And that is what 4012 has been saying since before he assumed his position. Of course, he wasn't painting it in the picture of making us better prepared for a global pandemic, but it is the same general message. But the business people who love the cheap labor from overseas would not engage that idea very seriously and I don't think they will after this is all said and done either.

Maybe this time we will learn and in the future, society as a whole will start to demand we make more critical products than just foods in the US. I think medical equipment and drugs are pretty critical and with the inflated costs we pay for these things, we should be able to afford to make them here. Funny how there is legislation that requires for the grocery industry to put country of origin labeling on many food products yet medicines are curiously exempt from that labeling. We know where the can of corn comes from, but not a clue where that ibuprofen comes from. It seems to me if it goes in your mouth, it should be subject to the country of origin labeling. To bring this somewhat back to a retail topic.

My biggest fear at this point is they decide to "open things back up" too quickly and the thing then spikes like crazy.

You make some good points but even a cursory root cause analysis will indicate behavioral tendencies that are difficult to accept and own.

Every time someone shops at Walmart they are supporting the system that takes away from USA domestic production. The choice that underlies this for consumers is PRICE. Low price dictates the necessity for overseas production. The companies that engage in this are all about greedy profits. They squeeze their employees to further increase their margins. You want low prices? There are complicated and myriad consequences, short range and long range, that WILL be paid by the consumer that are not always easy to see.

Up above the consumer are politicians. "Certain" politicians have a well documented and ever present (even during this horror) behavior that makes exigent, money (economics) over lives (health).

To this day there are Governors making decisions that put the economy over life.

For clarification regarding consumers: people have to do what they have to do to survive and most of the times it is not their fault.

[BillyGr]

In times of national emergency our country has to rely on our Commander in Chief. That is why our forefathers established our government as a federal republic. And that's why certain powers are granted to the Commander in Chief in situations like this. It took 71 days after the Chinese first informed us of this virus until our current chief executive started taking it serious, and even since then there is no national plan or strategy. All the effective actions taken so far have been by state governors that are having to fend for themselves for the most part because of the lack of a national strategy.

Most likely the reasoning is that it has been very difficult to do anything on a national basis, when you have such a vast differential in what is occurring.

Even on a state level it can be hard, when a state with the highest level of known cases has 90%+ of those cases confined to an area that covers 10 of 62 counties (and these are the densely populated areas, so in terms of land area of said state it is less than that 10 of 62 would seem).

You also have to remember that some of the foreign countries that have had the most issues would fit within one or two of our states, so again their numbers are within a much smaller physical area.

With all of that factored in, it's just not always sensible to require people in areas where the problems are much smaller (and many times people are already much more distant, when you think of some states whose whole state population would fit into one large city elsewhere) to follow the same kind of restrictions as those in the harder hit areas.

[veteran+]

In times of national emergency our country has to rely on our Commander in Chief. That is why our forefathers established our government as a federal republic. And that's why certain powers are granted to the Commander in Chief in situations like this. It took 71 days after the Chinese first informed us of this virus until our current chief executive started taking it serious, and even since then there is no national plan or strategy. All the effective actions taken so far have been by state governors that are having to fend for themselves for the most part because of the lack of a national strategy.

Most likely the reasoning is that it has been very difficult to do anything on a national basis, when you have such a vast differential in what is occurring.

Even on a state level it can be hard, when a state with the highest level of known cases has 90%+ of those cases confined to an area that covers 10 of 62 counties (and these are the densely populated areas, so in terms of land area of said state it is less than that 10 of 62 would seem).

You also have to remember that some of the foreign countries that have had the most issues would fit within one or two of our states, so again their numbers are within a much smaller physical area.

With all of that factored in, it's just not always sensible to require people in areas where the problems are much smaller (and many times people are already much more distant, when you think of some states whose whole state population would fit into one large city elsewhere) to follow the same kind of restrictions as those in the harder hit areas.

Logically and sensibly speaking, you are correct. However, viruses are not sensible and have their "own" logic.

If they do not follow the same type of restrictions, they do so at their own peril.............period.

[klkla]

Los Angeles is now requiring masks in grocery stores and other essential businesses,

"Effective Friday, Los Angeles residents must wear a mask, bandanna or other type of covering over their noses and mouths when in grocery stores and other essential businesses under an order from Mayor Eric Garcetti."

https://www.latimes.com/california/stor ... ring-rules

The rules for shopping in grocery stores get longer everyday. This is message Gelson's sent to customers today:

Dear Valued Gelson’s Customers,

Following the recommendation of the CDC for the public to wear masks while outside, along with recent regulations in various communities in Southern California, we will enact mask requirements chain-wide at all Gelson’s stores beginning Friday, April 10. While we are providing extra pay and perks to our employees, we must also do everything we can to keep our employees safe as they continue to serve an essential function in the community. We recognize and thank both our employees and our customers for making sacrifices in their daily lives for the collective safety of our neighborhoods.

In this ever-changing environment, Gelson’s has taken many actions in response to the COVID-19 crisis. A summary of our current policies and business changes:

Effective Friday, April 10, no one may enter Gelson’s without a mask or face covering. This includes employees, all shoppers, and vendors.

No one may enter Gelson’s who is experiencing any symptoms of sickness. This includes fever, shortness of breath, cough, body aches, headache, and/or sore throat.

The hour from 7 am – 8 am is reserved for seniors 60+, shoppers with disabilities, and those who care for them.

Everyone is expected to practice social distancing (6 feet or more from others) wherever possible.

Everyone is expected to practice social distancing (6 feet or more from others) wherever possible.

Please expect lines to enter our stores, as we continue to limit the number of shoppers in Gelson’s. Our doors are monitored throughout the day, and customers are expected to maintain a 6 foot distance while in line.

While shopping inside the store, please be aware of employees and other shoppers. If you need to pass someone in an aisle, please do so quickly. It’s always polite to let others know that you will be passing by.

Please do not block the aisle with your shopping cart. Keep your cart to one side of an aisle, in front of a section that others are not shopping.

Please do not put your phone near one of our employees to show them a picture of a product you want.

At checkout, follow the instructions of management and pay attention to the marks on the floor to maintain distancing.

No returns are accepted, and no CRV containers are accepted, to protect our associates. Only glass milk bottles may be returned, as these are needed for the dairies to sanitize and reuse.

No reusable bags are allowed in our stores. We are not charging for the plastic or paper bags we use.

Product limits are currently in place on many high-demand items. This helps to better smooth availability to more customers.

Employees are required to wash or sanitize their hands every hour. We make announcements reminding employees to protect themselves.

We are cleaning and sanitizing high-touch areas frequently.

Plexiglass shields are installed at checkstands to better protect our checkers. We ask that you stand behind those, and avoid getting close to the bagger/courtesy clerk or the checker. Please wait until the checker/courtesy clerk has finished bagging before you approach.

All seating areas are closed, as well as all self-serve food areas. Our Kitchens, Bakeries, Sushi Counters, and Coffee Bars remain open for their usual take-away service.

Stores have reduced hours; most close at 8 pm (Hollywood, Silver Lake/Los Feliz, and West Hollywood close at 9 pm).

For your own health, please be sure to wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face; if you have a reusable/washable face mask, wash it as soon as you return home from an essential outing.

During these times of uncertainty, we don’t want to overlook that this week marks two of the most important holidays for many of our customers, the celebrations of Passover and Easter. Passover begins this evening, April 8, and marks the journey from slavery to freedom of the Jewish people. Easter is this Sunday, April 12 (or April 19 if you follow the Orthodox calendar). Easter is a celebration of resurrection, and of promises fulfilled. Whether your family celebrates either of these holidays, we can all look forward with hope to a time when we have passed through these dark days, when we can again gather and celebrate in person, recognize and mourn the losses we are experiencing now, and work collectively toward a better future for our cities, our nation, and our world.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Warm Regards,

Rob McDougall
President and CEO
Grateful to Serve our Communities
#InItTogether

[storewanderer]

Every time someone shops at Walmart they are supporting the system that takes away from USA domestic production. The choice that underlies this for consumers is PRICE. Low price dictates the necessity for overseas production. The companies that engage in this are all about greedy profits. They squeeze their employees to further increase their margins. You want low prices? There are complicated and myriad consequences, short range and long range, that WILL be paid by the consumer that are not always easy to see.

I see a lot more Made in USA product at Wal Mart than I see at Target... it is more than just Wal Mart driving this system you describe. It is basically all of retail general merchandise. Try getting Athletic Shoes Made in USA. You will go to New Balance and pay $175. And you will get a very solid thick well made shoe. Any other brand, the shoe will be made, somewhere else. Most New Balance models are made somewhere else and 1/4 that price too... and made well enough...

Specifically at Wal Mart I am talking a number of plastic items like totes, plastic hangers, etc. Also last Christmas they had some random Made in USA Decor, gift wrap, tissue paper, and some other seasonal non-food that escapes me. Still, that was probably 5% of their seasonal stuff, at most. But, every seasonal item I looked at over at Target, was made in ... some other country, actually it was all made in the same country but since lately it is racist according to the mainstream media to name that country due to the virus situation, I won't name it.

[storewanderer]

Los Angeles is now requiring masks in grocery stores and other essential businesses,

"Effective Friday, Los Angeles residents must wear a mask, bandanna or other type of covering over their noses and mouths when in grocery stores and other essential businesses under an order from Mayor Eric Garcetti."

https://www.latimes.com/california/stor ... ring-rules

The rules for shopping in grocery stores get longer everyday. This is message Gelson's sent to customers today:


Effective Friday, April 10, no one may enter Gelson’s without a mask or face covering. This includes employees, all shoppers, and vendors.

No one may enter Gelson’s who is experiencing any symptoms of sickness. This includes fever, shortness of breath, cough, body aches, headache, and/or sore throat.

Employees are required to wash or sanitize their hands every hour. We make announcements reminding employees to protect themselves.

All seating areas are closed, as well as all self-serve food areas. Our Kitchens, Bakeries, Sushi Counters, and Coffee Bars remain open for their usual take-away service.


For your own health, please be sure to wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face; if you have a reusable/washable face mask, wash it as soon as you return home from an essential outing.

At least, they are setting policies out. Because there seems to be a lot of confusion.

Do they have hand washing stations at the store entry? Raleys rented hand washing stations for store entry (like the ones you see next to portable bathrooms from the same company that rents portable bathrooms) at events/constriction sites.

I wonder how they meter the sickness thing. I get a headache every afternoon around 5 PM after I watch a certain daily broadcast. I don't know why I get it. I don't think it is a sickness.

[mjhale]

Every time someone shops at Walmart they are supporting the system that takes away from USA domestic production. The choice that underlies this for consumers is PRICE. Low price dictates the necessity for overseas production. The companies that engage in this are all about greedy profits. They squeeze their employees to further increase their margins. You want low prices? There are complicated and myriad consequences, short range and long range, that WILL be paid by the consumer that are not always easy to see.

I see a lot more Made in USA product at Wal Mart than I see at Target... it is more than just Wal Mart driving this system you describe. It is basically all of retail general merchandise. Try getting Athletic Shoes Made in USA. You will go to New Balance and pay $175. And you will get a very solid thick well made shoe. Any other brand, the shoe will be made, somewhere else. Most New Balance models are made somewhere else and 1/4 that price too... and made well enough...

Specifically at Wal Mart I am talking a number of plastic items like totes, plastic hangers, etc. Also last Christmas they had some random Made in USA Decor, gift wrap, tissue paper, and some other seasonal non-food that escapes me. Still, that was probably 5% of their seasonal stuff, at most. But, every seasonal item I looked at over at Target, was made in ... some other country, actually it was all made in the same country but since lately it is racist according to the mainstream media to name that country due to the virus situation, I won't name it.

I too have noticed a lot more Made in the USA product in Walmart as well. Didn't they make another big push in the last couple of years to source more product from companies in the USA even if is Made in the USA with Globally Sourced Materials. Even that is better than Made in so and so foreign place. At one point Walmart was using a company in Berwick, PA (I think) for the bulk of their Christmas bows and ribbons. All of that product was labeled Distributed by Walmart, Made in the USA. I haven't bought any of that stuff recently because I bought huge bags a few years ago.

In any case, the US consumer has become so focused on lowest price that we have sacrificed domestic production to be able to buy all that "stuff" that we seem to feel that we want. You can't churn out cheap trinkets and still pay even a low end American wage. Personally, I will make the choice to pay more for the US made product if I have a choice. But everyone's circumstances are different and some don't have that easy of a choice. Even so we as a country either have to be OK with being completely reliant on others even if they aren't friendly to us. Or to cut back on the amount of stuff that defines us to be able to pay a bit more to have a smaller amount of nice things that are made here in the US. It is too bad that the show off society we live in has defined us by the stuff we have as opposed to the quality of person we really are.

[Super S]

Moving back to the topic of this thread....

I recently had to visit a local credit union, which has closed their lobby and was using the drive-thru lane closest to the building, which was blocked off, for walk-up transactions, with other drive-thru lanes using the tubes.

While waiting in the drive-thru I observed several people walk up to that window and complete their transaction while leaving their mask on the whole time. This would be a HUGE no-no inside the lobby. I decided to remain in my vehicle and wait when I saw several people lined up with masks. It just made me feel a little uneasy.

I still maintain that lifting restrictions on where masks may be worn indoors is setting some businesses up for robbery and other crimes. The sad reality is that this presents a golden opportunity, and, although not mentioned, is likely a factor in why many businesses open late and/or 24 hours have reduced their hours of operation.

Again, I get the reason behind the masks, just still feel that they are not appropriate in some situations.