CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Retail workers across West Virginia are finding themselves on the front lines of efforts to limit coronavirus spread.
This week, stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger and Kohl’s among others have announced that masks or other face coverings will be required for entry at all stores nationwide, with some exceptions, beginning as early as next week.
The moves follow the Mountain State’s mask mandate, applying to all indoor public places where people cannot keep six feet away from others, which took effect on July 7.
“We’re doing the best we can to make sure that our customers feel safe in our stores,” said Bridget Lambert, president of the West Virginia Retailers Association.
On Wednesday, Alabama joined the growing list of states with mask requirements in some form.
In Georgia, however, Governor Brian Kemp voided local mask ordinances and banned any future orders for mask or face covering usage at county and city levels.
Governor Jim Justice touted mask usage during his Wednesday briefing at the State Capitol.
The Mountain State’s mask mandate comes with no penalties.
Those showing up at stores without masks for no health or other exempted reasons in West Virginia were being directed to other shopping options like curbside pickups or delivery.
“We’re being as nice as we can about it,” Lambert said. “We’re working as hard as we can, but I don’t think anyone in this state wants to put a retail employee’s life in jeopardy.”
On Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department reported a 7.5 percent increase in U.S. retail sales in June.
A separate report from the U.S. Labor Department showed 1.3 million people filed initial unemployment claims nationwide in the past week, the 17th consecutive week above the one million mark.
Bridget Lambert, President of West Virginia Retailers Association, joins @HoppyKercheval to discuss what retailers are doing to limit the spread of Covid-19. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIRZCB pic.twitter.com/Z4HPLjEvpk
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) July 16, 2020