Starting Wednesday, July 22, Kroger stores will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask.
Kroger made its announcement hours after Walmart and Sam’s Club also announced they will be requiring masks by customers. Kroger already requires employees to wear face masks.
Kroger made an announcement via Twitter: “With the increase in #COVID19 cases across the country, we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask, joining our associates who continue to wear masks.”
In a longer press release, Kroger officials said:
“According to the CDC, wearing a facial covering, combined with social distancing and frequent handwashing, has been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask when shopping in our stores, joining our associates who continue to wear masks. We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country.
“We respect and acknowledge that some customers, due to medical reasons, may not be able to wear a mask (small children are exempt). We encourage those customers to consider an alternative option like a face shield or facial covering. If they’re unable to wear a mask or an alternative design, we request that they use our ecommerce services like pickup or delivery. To support all households during the COVID-19 pandemic, our grocery pickup service remains free (generally a $4.95 fee).
“We thank our associates and customers for partnering with us to slow down the spread of COVID-19.”