During this time, grocery stores are extremely accessible places for COVID-19 to spread. Various retail stores around the country have implemented the policy of “No Mask, No Entry.” However, PCC, a unionized co-op market place, has failed to implement this policy during this time of need. As more states open their economy back up, the normalcies of life return. Air travel will become more frequent and the number of viral cases will rise again. PCC needs to be prepared and customers should comply with our policy when they walk through the door. 

For almost two months now, we’ve endured the onslaught of panicking customers’ bulk buying, app delivery services constantly coming in and out, and witnessed our own staff contracting COVID-19. PCC has taken measures to ensure our safety by getting us reusable and disposable masks, having staff regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, and conducting mandatory health check-ins  when each employee arrives to work. The next step needs to be made, however. That step is simply not permitting customers, delivery drivers, or vendors in without masks. 

Many people in our community are on board with wearing masks, as well as using the gloves that PCC provides. A large number of employees have expressed their desire for this “No Mask, No Entry” policy. This will establish the safety for our customers and staff, as well as the health of our community.