Harris Teeter, Walmart join other grocers requiring workers to wear face masks
Harris Teeter and Walmart are the latest retailers in the area to require employees to wear masks or face coverings, the companies said.
Starting Tuesday, the Matthews-based grocer will provide all workers at stores, distribution centers and facilities with a face covering, the company said in a statement.
The move for Harris Teeter comes as at least six of its workers have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Last week, Harris Teeter said five employees at two of its distribution centers tested positive for COVID-19. Two of the employees work at the Indian Trail distribution center in Union County and three are at the Greensboro distribution center.
The week prior, a grocery store employee at the Arboretum location in Charlotte also tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The move to have employees in masks or other face coverings “brings consistency across our stores and further demonstrates Harris Teeter’s commitment to protect our people and our communities, which is something we and our shoppers care about deeply,” said Danna Robinson, Harris Teeter spokeswoman.
Harris Teeter shoppers are also encouraged to wear face coverings.
“It is important to note that face coverings are an added health precaution; masks and/or face coverings do not guarantee against the spread of COVID-19,” the disease caused by the new coronavirus, the company stated.
Last week, The Fresh Market, based in Greensboro, began requiring all workers and guests to wear face coverings.
Whole Foods Market on Monday said an employee at the uptown Charlotte store tested positive for COVID-19. According to the company, it, too, requires employees to wear face coverings.
Walmart changes
On Monday, all Walmart stores began requiring workers to wear masks or face coverings at stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers, as well as its corporate offices.
“We’ll also be encouraging customers and members to wear face coverings when they shop with us,” the company said in a letter to employees.
The company also extended its emergency leave policy through the end of May.
Walmart does not confirm coronavirus cases, instead referring people to local health departments, a company spokeswoman said Monday. But Mecklenburg County Public Health does not disclose that type of information for retail stores.
This story was originally published April 20, 2020 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Harris Teeter, Walmart join other grocers requiring workers to wear face masks."