Letter: Grocery workers should wear masks

Graphic by Lori Deaton

Grocery store employees need to be wearing masks. Our largest and most popular store, Ingles, is not enforcing this practice [See “Minding the Store: Retailers, Shoppers Face New Safety Rules,” April 22, Xpress]. In fact, they should be encouraging customers to wear masks as well.

The masks are meant to protect others. The grocery store is the only place many of us go right now. Without masks, the grocery store is a viral breeding ground. Be a leader in our community, Mr. Ingle. Please help to educate and take care of your people.

— Bettina Freese
Asheville

Editor’s note: Ingles is now requiring its associates to wear masks, according to a statement on its website about steps the company is taking to respond to the coronavirus pandemic: avl.mx/73v.

 

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7 thoughts on “Letter: Grocery workers should wear masks

  1. fender

    About a week ago I commented on how the employees at Ingles weren’t wearing masks, what few were wearing masks had them down on their chin. Yesterday I visited the Ingles on Long Shoals Road in Arden and I was truly impressed at how many of the employees were not only wearing masks but was wearing them properly. This includes the Store Manager. The compliance rate was better than any other store that I have been too. Ingles has taken several steps to increase social distancing, such as the one-way aisles. I applaud everyone at Ingles for thinking about the safety of their customers.

    • Lulz

      Why don’t you just stay home. I’ve been working all through this. Not once have I worn a mask or gloves. And I’ve been violating social distancing “rules” because that’s part of the job. If you are so afraid and so paranoid then go hide, But people like you should be ridiculed for merely being nothing more than protagonists of stupidity.

      12
      • Shultz!

        Editors – you guys should really consider an up/down vote feature for comments to help flag trolling like this comment from ‘Lulz’. This type of ad hominem vitriol adds nothing but bad mojo. There’s a bunch of plugins for your platform that are low/no code…

      • S Squirrel

        He Lutz, think about protecting your most vulnerable family member, or friend. People with pre-existing conditions or the elderly have a difficult time fighting this virus, especially a respiratory illness. These individuals are not paranoid, nor scared just vulnerable so have some respect for others rights & liberties especially if you want people to have respect for you then have respect for them. And Another thing, it may be wise to consider your words, stupid may come back to haunt you…

  2. Bright

    Of course, Ingles listens! Ingles has and is the best grocery store around! They have always been attentive to customers’ needs. They have great house brands, and great fresh products. I hope they are paying their fantastic employees well. Love you, Ingles!

  3. fender

    @ Lulz Your comment is reflective of an uninformed selfish individual . Or maybe you have no one that you care about? Columbia University recently did a study where they found if Americans had started social distancing just a week earlier tens of thousands of Americans wouldn’t have died. So whatever inconvenience practicing social distancing or wearing a mask causes me, knowing that I am contributing to helping people live far outweighs the inconvenience . Isn’t like it is costing me anything.

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