This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Whole Foods just made a huge change to its store policy that is affecting customers in a major way!
The grocery chain just started asking customers to wear masks in store, along with wholesale retailer Costco and grocery chain Wegmans.
The new policies are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19, but are facing backlash with the public nonetheless.
READ MORE: Costco Just Made A Huge Change To its Stores & Customers Are Freaking Out!
The Amazon-owned company is also providing guests with free single-use masks in all stores beginning this week to support the chain's "request" that all customers wear a mask while visiting their stores.
"In addition to requiring everyone working in our stores to wear face masks, over the next week we will begin requesting that all customers wear masks while shopping in our stores," a spokesperson for the chain said via email.
"Whole Foods Market will be providing face masks at the entrance of all stores for customers who do not have their own face coverings."
Free, single-use masks are now available at Whole Foods Market nationwide for shoppers who do not have a face covering. We’re requesting customers wear a mask to increase protection for our people and our communities. Everyone’s safety first. https://t.co/GegmVthUeF pic.twitter.com/jFHwMK3pKD
— Amazon (@amazon) May 8, 2020
In a blog post, Amazon reiterated, "To help protect the safety and health of our Team Members and communities, we will be requesting customers wear masks in Whole Foods Market stores. Within the next week, we will be offering free, disposable masks to all Whole Foods Market customers nationwide when they arrive at the store to shop. If customers don't already have their own face covering, they will be able to pick up a mask at the entrance of the Whole Foods Market store."
This makes sense--so, why are people up in arms? The leader of the ReOpen NC movement called for a boycott on Facebook as well. “They are within their rights to do this, but we are within our rights to shop elsewhere,” Ashley Smith’s post said.
So--what do you think? Are these mask policies what's best for all citizens?
