Publix now requires employees across the chain to cover faces amid coronavirus pandemic
Publix completed its month-long U-turn on facial covering and masks during the coronavirus pandemic on Monday, the first day all employees are required to wear facial coverings.
An email from a spokesperson for the Lakeland, Florida-based supermarket chain cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s shift on facial covering in slowing COVID-19 spread.
The email also said employees who aren’t required to wear gloves for their job can do so as long as they can safely do their jobs.
“We are providing face coverings for all of our associates and plastic gloves for customer service and pharmacy associates, until our supplies are depleted,” the email stated. “At that time, associates are required to provide their own face covering, and customer service and pharmacy associates may use their personal supply of gloves.”
A month ago, Publix workers told the Miami Herald that management discouraged or forbade wearing gloves or masks. An OSHA complaint was filed against Publix by three employees over the prohibitions.
By the start of April, Publix began allowing employees to bring in their own masks/facial covering to wear — except in the deli, meat and seafood departments, where masks remained an official no-no.
This story was originally published April 20, 2020 at 6:16 PM.
