Coronavirus and wearing masks in stores

[storewanderer]

Something to do with the way the Constitution is set up in Nevada, the City Attorney determined the Mayor could not require mask use of the public. That would have to come down from the State. Similar to how she tried to close the casinos, also outside her authority, but the state followed with a closure order a few days later which was probably a very good thing as I can only imagine how great this virus would do spreading in a poorly ventilated tobacco filled casino.

I went out to a few stores tonight. One Raleys, nobody had any masks on. Another Raleys, one of the five employees I saw was wearing a bandana. Raleys are stocked pretty well in general and I commend their efforts to pull items from alternate suppliers to keep their stores stocked even if it is odd items/sizes like the .89 hotel room single wrapped bath tissue. Safeway, nobody wearing any masks (and hundreds or thousands of out of stocks in dairy and produce, ouch, and still ZERO product on the paper product aisle). Walgreens, which I went into late after pharmacy closed but before store closed, a few employees had masks around their necks but were not wearing the masks on their face... also at Walgreens there is still no plastic shield between the customer and cashier...?

I would estimate about 20% of customers were wearing masks.

One thing I have noticed with the masks is people are not observing social distancing with masks on, as seriously as they did with masks off, in some cases. It is like people think somehow the mask exempts them from the social distancing requirements. I do not think that is the case, I thought the mask is supposed to supplement the social distancing requirements.

[BillyGr]

One thing I have noticed with the masks is people are not observing social distancing with masks on, as seriously as they did with masks off, in some cases. It is like people think somehow the mask exempts them from the social distancing requirements. I do not think that is the case, I thought the mask is supposed to supplement the social distancing requirements.

At least with the announcement in NY, it was that masks were required when you were unable to keep a distance (the example was walking down the street alone, you don't need it but if you come to an intersection where others are going to be hard to avoid, then you would need it).

Not quite sure how well that'll work out (if people even have them or can get them - most likely those will be the non official types) with using them off and on but that's how it was stated.

Does seem that it still makes sense to try and be apart even if you have one on, though.

[cjd]

I think masks are a good idea, but do you think we will need them forever? I hope not, but it may be that I'm just not used to seeing them outside of a medical or hazardous setting. I've only worn one when I'm working with possibly toxic things like sanding old paint or spray painting. Don't really feel comfortable with wearing them in general, but I will if it keeps others safer.

In countries such as Japan, and even for many Japanese living in the US, people often wear masks on a normal basis, sometimes they are even seen as a fashion accessory. I guess it's also a bit of a public courtesy for them, and also due to pollution.

It's still strange to me to be wearing them in general, but with this situation, I understand the reason.

[Alpha8472]

Walmart is requiring all employees to wear masks starting Monday.

You may not realize it, but a lot of microscopic spit comes out when you talk. I work in a pharmacy and I have to wear a mask. My mask was wet from spit from talking to people just for a short time.

There are customers yelling at me all day long without masks and it is just a spray of disease constantly. The plexiglass windows at the pharmacy are covered in spray marks from all that spit. Spit can inadvertently shoot quite far.

This is how the virus spreads, and I can see how masks are needed. People do not cover their mouths when they talk.

There are very few companies in the world that make mask machines. They are very expensive and to get one delivered takes 9 to 12 months. No company in the U.S.A. would want to invest that much money and wait that long. By the time the machines get here the mask demand will be over.

[cjd]

I agree with you. Since I've been thinking more about the spittle spray you mention, I've been holding folders in front of my mouth when I have a conversation. Hey, anything helps.

Hopefully you're right and it would not be a demand anymore by the time the machines got here.

[storewanderer]

Found a store with mandatory customer masks: the location in Portola, CA run by this outfit: https://www.nwsuper.com/stores

I decided it wasn't really necessary to go in so I opted to just not go in. I hope to go in soon because it appears they remodeled the inside of the store since I was last there. I did notice there were only 3 other cars in the parking lot and the Dollar General down the road had about 15 cars in the parking lot and 3 parked out on the highway. I guess everyone who had no mask and wanted to shop just went there.

[mbz321]

Starting today in PA, shoppers need to wear masks when out in public. Costco is also mandating employees wear masks chainwide, or be sent home.

[storewanderer]

Starting today in PA, shoppers need to wear masks when out in public. Costco is also mandating employees wear masks chainwide, or be sent home.

Have we heard of any restaurant operators imposing a mask requirement on employees in the US?

[Alpha8472]

There is no requirement yet, since there is a mask shortage. McDonald's up until recently prohibited masks unless you had a doctor's note. Now they are allowing masks and trying to secure masks for employees.

Previously, masks at restaurants made customers uncomfortable as people with masks were perceived as being sick and contagious. Now wearing a mask is a sign of trying to prevent infection.

McDonald's just did not want to have to spend money on masks. Now customers are expecting employees to wear masks so that the food will be safer. Restaurants now realize that they need to prove that their food is safe or else customers will avoid their restaurants.

[storewanderer]

I have posted it before, but in Hong Kong years ago now, it was very common for those who directly handle food to be wearing masks in restaurants or quick service. That includes McDonalds. I don't recall if the cashier wore it (as the cashier ONLY cashiered, nothing else), but the people in back assembling and people up front bagging all wore masks.